Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Chatham-Kent, warning that an organized weather system is expected to bring significant snowfall beginning Sunday morning or afternoon and continuing into Monday morning.
Snowfall totals of 10 to 20 centimetres are forecast, with locally higher amounts possible due to lake enhancement. Visibility may be reduced at times because of heavy snow and local blowing snow.
Meteorologists note there is uncertainty in the exact snowfall totals, as small shifts in the track of the system could have a significant impact on how much snow falls across the region. Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts as conditions develop.
Meanwhile, Environment Canada says bitterly cold conditions will continue into Saturday morning, with wind chill values near minus 30 to minus 33 and brisk winds gusting up to 50 km/h. The extreme cold poses a risk to everyone, with frostbite able to develop within minutes on exposed skin, particularly when combined with wind.
Cold-related symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and changes in skin colour in fingers and toes. Residents are advised to dress warmly, limit time outdoors, check on older family, friends, and neighbours, and ensure pets are kept indoors. Outdoor workers are urged to take regular breaks to warm up.
Environment Canada recommends continuing to monitor alerts and forecasts and encourages the public to report severe weather through its established reporting channels.
