Extreme cold warning in effect for Agawa, Lake Superior Park, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Joseph Island, Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, Batchawana Bay

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

*************************

Extreme Cold Warning in effect for:

Agawa - Lake Superior Park

Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island

Searchmont - Montreal River Harbour - Batchawana Bay

The coldest wind chill values will be between minus 40 and minus 45.



Extreme cold forecast for Northern Ontario.



An Arctic ridge of high pressure sliding southward through the Prairies continues to usher in moderate north winds and frigid temperatures over Ontario.

As a result all of northern Ontario will experience extreme cold today, tonight and into Saturday morning.

While anyone who isn't dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia:

homeless people

outdoor workers

people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)

people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers

winter sport enthusiasts

people who consume excess alcohol

infants

seniors

Wear appropriate clothing

Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.

Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.

If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.



Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

To report severe weather, send an email to storm.ontario@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports to #ONStorm.

*************************