(Revelstoke) Extremely cold and severe winds are blowing from the Arctic towards the Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, bringing wind chill temperatures down to -55°C In certain regions.
Environment Canada’s warnings for “the first Arctic intrusion of the year” cover parts of the territories, much of central and northern British Columbia, and northern parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Forecasters say the Arctic air mass has settled over the Yukon and Northwest Territories with temperatures near -40C and wind chill dropping to -55 before temperatures become more seasonal Saturday .
An arctic air surge warning was also issued for British Columbia’s north and central coast, bringing extremely cold winds Wednesday evening.
Snow ahead of warnings triggered several crashes on British Columbia highways, including an incident in which the Western Hockey League’s Seattle Thunderbirds bus slid into a ditch near Kelowna , but no one was injured.
Environment Canada says extreme cold puts everyone at risk, but risks are greatest for children, seniors, people with chronic illnesses, those who work or exercise outdoors and those who do not have adequate shelter.
“Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and change in color of fingers and toes,” Environment Canada says in its forecast.
The arrival of cold weather in British Columbia after a warm start to winter brought with it snow, wind, avalanche risks, storm warnings, high waves, power outages and road conditions dangerous.
Avalanche Canada forecaster James Floyer says outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t let their excitement over recent heavy snow outweigh the need for caution, but extremely cold temperatures forecast for this week could contribute to reduce the risk of avalanches by fixing the snow on the mountains.