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Extreme cold warning for Elk Valley and KNP
Environment Canada has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the Elk Valley and Kootenay National Park (KNP) areas. The cold warning is on top of a snowfall warning for the Elk Valley.
A prolonged period of unseasonably cold temperatures is settling over the region tonight and majority of next week.
“A very cold arctic air mass will settle over the region beginning tonight as an arctic front sweeps through. Temperatures near minus 25 degrees Celsius with northeast winds 20 km/h gusting 40 will result in wind chill values near or below minus 35,” Environment Canada reported this morning (Dec. 18).
Wind chill values will be near or below minus 35 tonight and Monday night and near or below minus 40 Tuesday night to Thursday.
Snowfall with total amounts of 15 to 20 cm is expected in the Elk Valley up to this evening.
The arctic front is continuing to bring heavy snow to the region today. Additional snowfall of five to 10 cm is expected with locally higher amounts near 15 cm possible in some communities.
The heavy snow tapers off this evening as the arctic front departs the region.
While not included in the cold or snow warnings, the Cranbrook/Kimberley and Columbia Valley areas can expect between two and five cm. Wind becoming southeast 20 km/h this afternoon. Temperature steady near minus 14. Wind chill minus 19 this morning and minus 24 this afternoon.
There will be periods of snow ending before morning then partly cloudy. Amount two cm. Wind southeast 20 km/h becoming light this evening. Low minus 20. Wind chill minus 27 this evening and minus 21 overnight.
Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations.
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk.
Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.
If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
Snowfall warnings are issued when significant snowfall is expected.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
