Emergency services officials are warning people on the Northern Peninsula and west coast of Newfoundland to avoid coastal areas this weekend.

Huge waves and pounding surf are expected to hit these coastlines, with winds up to 85 kilometres in some areas.

Environment Canada forecasts indicate waves could rise to between five and eight metres.

As a result, all Marine Atlantic ferry crossings between Port aux Basques, N.L. and Sydney, N.S. have been cancelled for the day.

Snow squalls are also forecast for parts of the region.