Environment Canada puts Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Gergina and rest of York Region under weather warning

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 3, 2023

York Region will be feeling the cold of the Arctic as a blast of cold northern air will reach southern Ontario, according to an alert issued by Environment Canada.

The cold front will start as early as the evening of Feb. 2 and extend into Feb. 3. 

Wind chills are expected to reach a low of -30 C and could last until Feb. 4.

Environment Canada is urging people who will be exposed to the cold to cover up, as frostbite can develop within minutes.

"Young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and people without proper shelter are at a greater risk and should be checked on," says the alert.

Further to the cold, a snow squall watch is also in effect.

"Brief, intense snowfall is expected to develop," Environment Canada says. "Under the snow squall, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow."

Snow could start any time between the afternoon of Feb. 2 and the evening. Snowfall accumulations could be anywhere from 2 to 5 cm.

"Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather," the alert warns. "Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero."