Storm walloping parts of Newfoundland, with St. John's getting up to 85 cm of snow

Schools, government offices and businesses are closed throughout parts of Newfoundland in the midst of a weather alert. An estimated 55 to 85 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in the St. John’s area. (Daniel MacEachern/CBC)

Much of the Avalon Peninsula, including schools and public transportation, is shuttered Friday due to an ongoing storm bearing down on parts of Newfoundland.

Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for about half the island, stretching from the Avalon Peninsula to Buchans and the interior, as well as parts of the southern shore.

The weather service has forecast the St. John’s area could