At 10:30 AM Environment Canada issued an Extreme Cold Alert for Oakville. The alert will begin this evening February 12, 2015, and run until late Friday morning, January 13, 2015. Temperatures are expected to drop to minus 22. The windchill will make it feel like minus 32. Bundle up, and please keep an eye on your pets when they are outside.
Environment Canada statement:
A period of very cold and extreme wind chills are expected.
A strong cold front is crossing Southern Ontario today ushering in much colder temperatures and gusty north winds. The combination of the winds with the cold temperatures will result in wind chill values of near minus 30 beginning this afternoon and continuing into Friday morning.
This warning will likely need to be extended to additional areas in southern Ontario tonight as the cold air advances.
While anyone who isn't dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia:
- homeless people
- outdoor workers
- people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
- people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers
- winter sport enthusiasts
- people who consume excess alcohol
- infants and
- seniors.
Wear appropriate clothing.
- Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
- Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
- Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
- If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.
- Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.
Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required, so stay tuned to your local media or Weatheradio. Email reports of severe weather to [email protected] or tweet with the hashtag #ONStorm.
Emergency Numbers:
Halton: 311
- Halton Regional Police: 905-825-4777
- Emergency Services: 9-1-1
- Oakville Hydro: 905-825-9400
- Union Gas: 1-877-969-0999
Should you need to travel, please ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit:
- Candles
- Blankets
- Flairs
- Batteries
- Water
- Energy Bars
- Portable radio