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Extreme cold and snowfall warnings for most of region
Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the Elk Valley and Kootenay National Park and a snowfall warning for Cranbrook/Kimberley and south country areas.
Wind chill values of minus 35 are expected tonight and minus 40 Wednesday night giving a risk of frostbite as an arctic airmass will be building and pushing south into the Columbia and Kootenay regions today.
“Brisk northeastern winds are developing through the day and combined with frigid overnight temperatures, wind chill values of near minus 35 are expected for Yoho National Park and Elk Valley tonight. Through the day on Wednesday temperatures will continue to drop. This will produce wind chill values nearing minus 40 at both locations Wednesday night through to Thursday morning,” Environment Canada reported.
And heavy snow will continue in the Cranbrook/Kimberley and south country areas, with temperatures dipping between -17 and -24 in the area.
Snowfall accumulations of 10 to 15 cm are expected with the highest amount near Kimberley.
“A weather system will sweep across the Kootenays giving a wintry mix of precipitation. Heavy snow from the system will taper off to a few flurries this afternoon as the system moves southward. Strong winds will also give blowing snow, resulting in poor visibility from Kimberley down to Grasmere,” Environment Canada stated.
Poor visibility can be anticipated from blowing snow.
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.”
Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
The Columbia Valley (aside from Kootenay National Park) is not included in the snowfall or extreme cold warning, though nighttime temperatures will range as low as -17 to -24 between Feb. 22 and 24. There is a 60% chance of flurries today.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
