People in Midwestern Ontario are facing severe cold along with more lake effect snow.
Environment Canada has issued two yellow-level weather alerts for the area – one for snow squalls and another for cold conditions.
Snowfall of 10 to 20 centimetres is expected on Friday due to these squalls. Winds could gust up to 60 kilometres an hour, leading to blowing and drifting snow. The wind chill will make it feel like around minus 30.
“Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced to near zero at times. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” Environment Canada said. “Daytime temperatures will remain cold with the brisk winds, followed by falling temperatures [in the] evening.”
All school buses have been cancelled in Grey-Bruce and North Wellington, as well as many in Huron-Perth. This marks the fifth consecutive day that buses have not operated in several areas of midwestern Ontario. Moreover, the Upper Grand District School Board has shut down all schools in North Wellington.
Numerous roads are also closed, including Highway 21 from Goderich to Port Elgin and Highway 6 from Wiarton to Tobermory. You can find the full list of closures and cancellations by clicking here.
The extreme cold raises the risk of frostbite and other cold-related health issues. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin within minutes. Symptoms of cold-related conditions include shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and color changes in fingers and toes.
People are encouraged to think about delaying non-essential travel and outdoor activities until things improve.
“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside,” the national weather agency added. “Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.”
Snow squalls are expected to lessen late this evening or overnight. For Saturday, some sunshine is anticipated with only a 40 percent chance of flurries, alongside a daytime high of minus 11. However, the wind chill will persist, making it feel like minus 28 in the morning and minus 18 in the afternoon.
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