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An intense storm is sweeping through parts of Newfoundland, cancelling several flights at St. John's International Airport and reducing visibility to near-zero.

Blizzard warnings have been issued for the Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas and much of north-eastern Newfoundland, with winds reaching nearly 100 kilometres an hour in some areas.

About 10 centimetres of snow has fallen at St. John's airport.

David Neil, a meteorologist with Environment Canada in Gander, says the snow will change to flurries by afternoon.

Several arrivals and departures were cancelled, and a handful of others were delayed.

Mr. Neil says the worst of the storm will pass by early afternoon, but winds will continue to lash much of the province.

"We do still expect those winds to stay strong for the rest of the day and into tonight. Especially over areas exposed to the wind, we do still expect some areas of blowing snow," Mr. Neil said Saturday.

"Some areas may be down to near-zero visibility."

The snow will taper off but flurries will persist into Sunday, he said.

Mr. Neil said a low-pressure system just off the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula is bringing the severe conditions to the province.

This is one of several storms that have hit the province in the past week, however this particular blast has been the most intense, Mr. Neil added.

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