Extreme cold coming to York Region

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 12, 2015
BY Chris Simon

Find a way to keep warm tonight, because it's about to get very cold outside.

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for most of southern and central Ontario, including York Region. A strong cold front is expected to drop temperatures to -30 to -35 C, including wind chill, overnight and into Friday morning.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill create an elevated risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Environment Canada and York Region have each issued tips for reducing exposure and avoiding adverse health effects.

• Wear appropriate clothing. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from the body, which further reduces risk.
• Dress in layers with wind resistant outer clothes. You can remove layers if you get too warm or add if you get cold.
• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose.
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.
• Limit outdoor activity during extreme cold weather and check the local forecast for warnings.
• Don't ignore shivering, which is a sign of pending frostbite or hypothermia. Signs of frostbite include pink or white, waxy patched skin, or pain or prickliness on affected areas.

Hypothermia, or low body temperature, is the most serious cold-weather injury and can lead to brain damage or death. It affects the ability to think clearly or move well.

If you see someone suffering from hypothermia or extreme frostbite, call 911 immediately.

There are several local services that will offer aid to homeless or at-risk residents during cold weather. Inn From the Cold (905-895-8889) and Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold program (416-948-6682) provide overnight shelter, while Blue Door (905-898-1015) and Sutton Youth (905-722-9076) shelters can offer emergency housing. The York Region Street Outreach Van (1-866-553-4053) also provides mobile support.

Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required on the agency's weather website.

Email reports of severe weather to storm.ontario@ec.gc.ca or tweet using the hashtag #ONStorm.