The RCMP are urging motorists across the Avalon Peninsula and much of eastern Newfoundland to slow down and drive carefully as Friday's winter storm worsens.

Const. Dennis Hann said road conditions early Friday morning were icy and slippery from St. John's to Whitbourne, but snowfall began to increase around 6:30 a.m., and roads became snow covered.

He said there was a considerable amount of west bound traffic early Friday, but the number of vehicles decreased as snow accumulated. He stressed that it is important to drive to the weather conditions.

"I just want to remind people to drive safe, slow down. I've been driving 75, 80 [km/h] at most, and we have really good tires on these cars. If you don't have good tires, or you're not comfortable driving in this weather, it's just best to stay put," Hann said.