The Durham Health Department has extended the ‘Extreme Cold Weather Alert’ since yesterday until today afternoon — and and then it resumes on Sunday, January 19 until the morning of Monday, January 20.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Durham, especially its northern parts.
It says 15 to 20 cm of snowfall is expected today.
Snow is expected to move into the area Saturday morning as a low pressure system approaches. Snow will become heavy at times in the afternoon. It will move out of the area Saturday night and give way to lake effect flurries. Total snowfall amounts of 15 to 20 cm are likely, said a Environment Canada warning.
Winds gusting up to 50 km/h will create areas of blowing snow giving reduced visibilities, particularly Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening.
Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.
In southern Durham region 15 cm of snowfall is expected today.
However, winds will be stronger, gusting up to 60 km/h creating areas of blowing snow.
Take Care of Each Other
Durham Health Department says during an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, community members are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Check on vulnerable friends, neighbours, family and pets to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.
- Durham Region outreach staff actively patrol the city to refer individuals without shelter or in need of services to resources in the community. If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter call 9-1-1 or visit the Region of Durham’s Emergency Shelters webpage.
- Check the weather forecast before going outside and consider rescheduling outdoor activities or limiting time outdoors during colder temperatures. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin and stay dry. Frequently warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings.
- Stop by one of the facilities during their hours of operation to stay warm during periods of extreme cold. For operating hours, view the Facilities webpage.
- Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius. The City’s Adequate Heat By-Law requires rented or leased living accommodations to have a minimum air temperature of at least 22 degrees Celsius between September 1 to June 15.
The Region issues Extreme Cold Weather Alerts when the temperature is forecast to reach -15 degrees Celsius or colder, and/or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 degrees Celsius or colder, and when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure.
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