Extreme Cold Warnings for Northern Ontario – February 22 2015

THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Extreme Cold weather is ruling the way across Northwestern Ontario as Environment Canada has extended the warnings in effect for the region.

With the extended cold, road conditions can be impacted. At the current temperatures across the region, ice and other treatments for road surfaces do not work below -15c.

Environment Canada reports, “A prolonged period of very cold wind chills is expected.

Yet another surge of bitterly cold arctic air is affecting much of Northern Ontario this morning. The very cold temperatures combined with light to moderate winds is creating wind chills of minus 40 to minus 45.

Although conditions will moderate somewhat during the day, extreme wind chills are possible again later tonight into Monday morning for much of northern Ontario.

Watch for cold related symptoms and complaints which include:

– Respiratory: shortness of breath, wheezing and cough

– Cardiovascular: chest pain and arrhythmias

– Circulation: colour change of finger and toes, pain, numbness and tickling sensation in extremities

– Muscle: pain, stiffness, swelling, restricted movement, weakness

– Skin: itching, pale.

If you experience these symptoms when exposed to the cold, move indoors and begin warming.

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.”

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