Extreme Cold Warning Issued

(Locations listed below description)

A prolonged period of unseasonably cold temperatures will settle over the Region this weekend and much of the this week.

Location: Chilcotin, Quesnel, Williams Lake, Prince George, Stuart-Nechako, 100 Mile, McGregor.

Wind chill values: Near or below minus 40.

Time span: Tonight through Wednesday morning.

Threat: Bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chill values.

Remarks: A very cold Arctic air mass is has settled over the Region. Overnight temperatures near minus 30 degrees celsius with Northeast winds 20 km/h gusting to 40 will result in wind chill values below minus 40.

Although winds are expected to ease tonight, overnight lows of near minus 35 with light northeasterly winds will continue to produce wind chill values lower than minus 40.

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.

Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to bcstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

end/pspc

ISSUED:

• Mcgregor