An extreme cold warning has been issued by Environment Canada in Chatham-Kent.
Meanwhile, a snow squall watch remains in effect as well.
“A period of very cold wind chills is expected,” forecasters say.
“Wind chill values near minus 30 are expected overnight due to a bitterly cold Arctic airmass affecting the region. Wind chill values will moderate above the warning criteria of minus 30 on Monday as winds ease, but cold temperatures near minus 20 or colder are still expected Monday night.”
Forecasters say a milder air mass will begin to move in Tuesday.
“Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter,” Environment Canada officials say.
“Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”
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 officials say snow squalls are possible today into Monday.
“Snow squalls have developed in a northerly flow off Lake Huron this morning and are currently affecting the Sarnia-Lambton region. Snow squalls may begin to affect the Chatham-Kent-Rondeau Park region (Sunday morning), and regions further east this afternoon as the wind becomes more northwesterly.”
Local snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 cm per 12 hours are possible, forecasters say.
Visibilities will also be reduced to near zero in blowing snow due to strong northerly winds gusting to 60 km/h.
Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills between minus 20 and minus 30 will accompany the squalls.
The squalls are expected to weaken Monday afternoon.
“Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common,” forecasters say.
“Road closures are possible. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. If you become stranded in a vehicle do not leave. The vehicle offers a form of protection from the cold. A single person walking through the snow is harder to find than a stranded car or truck. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.”
Snow squall watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the formation of bands of snow that could produce intense accumulating snow or near zero visibilities.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
