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Extreme Cold Warning for Elk Valley and KNP
Freezing conditions to stick around: Mainroad
Environment Canada has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Yoho and Kootenay National Park (KNP) areas, as well as for the Elk Valley.
A period of very cold wind chills is expected as an Arctic airmass over the BC interior will result in temperatures reaching as low as minus 23 Celsius. This combined with brisk easterly winds will give extreme wind chill values below minus 35. Conditions are expected to improve Monday afternoon as temperatures rise, Environment Canada stated.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.”
The Arctic front has been causing unsettled weather conditions for the past few days, reports Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd.
“Our crews have noted freezing rain conditions, significant snowfall, and quickly dropping local temperatures at various locations within the East Kootenay service area,” Mainroad outlined in a public update.
While freezing temperatures are to linger for a few more days in the region, predicted snowfall amounts decline, as Mainroad’s meteorological service had previously forecasted moderate to heavy snowfall.
“We still expect snowfall through Monday, but the precipitation amount has been decreased. We expect moderate snowfall, tapering off Monday. Our forecasts still predict temperatures to remain well below freezing across the service area for several days after the precipitation ends,” Mainroad said this afternoon (Feb. 3).
“Even with the decreased precipitation, these weather conditions can still result in formation of compact snow on roadways. All motorists are reminded to adjust their driving habits to the prevailing conditions. Prepare for winter conditions and avoid unnecessary trips. If it is necessary to drive, allow more travel time and drive with extra caution,” Mainroad suggests.
Travellers to the area are advised to visit www.weather.gc.ca for more details.
Mainroad crews have been proactively treating local roadways with anti-icing chemicals.
“We will continue applying anti-icing chemicals and/or winter abrasive, and conduct snow removal operations as required, on all highways until the event passes and roadways are returned to the acceptable standard and back to normal,” the highways contractor stated.
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