

Chris Herhalt, CP24.com





Toronto’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued an extreme cold weather alert for the city in advance of double-digit negative temperatures expected by Sunday night.

With Environment Canada calling for a low of -15 C overnight, Dr. David McKeown warns that those with heart or respiratory conditions, the elderly, children and those who work outdoors should stay indoors or take precautions tonight.

Residents are asked to dress in layers, cover all exposed skin and avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases blood flow, which can make someone feel warm when their body temperature is falling.

McKeown says the city will open two 24-hour drop-in centres, extra beds at shelters and offer TTC tokens to people who need help getting to shelter as part of the alert.

The two drop-in centres are located at 323 Dundas Street East in Cabbagetown and 25 Augusta Avenue, southeast of Alexandra Park. Both will operate 24 hours per day until Feb. 29, including days with milder temperatures.

Other shelters have been ordered to relax restrictions on service tonight to ensure no one spends tonight outdoors.

Temperatures will remain at about -11 C during the day on Monday, Environment Canada says.