Close X
Saturday, November 23, 2024
ADVT 
National

Extreme cold: -40C forecast in Edmonton as snow causes road havoc in Metro Vancouver

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Jan, 2024 10:39 AM
  • Extreme cold: -40C forecast in Edmonton as snow causes road havoc in Metro Vancouver

Extreme cold and biting wind has gripped Western Canada, breaking multiple decades-long daily temperature records in Alberta and British Columbia.

Environment Canada says Edmonton's temperature is -36.6 C and forecast to hit -40 C tonight on one of the coldest days in half a century, after plummeting to -34.6 C on the coldest Jan. 11 since 1997.

New daily lows were also set Thursday in the coastal B.C. community of Bella Bella, B.C., at -12.7, the Malahat area on Vancouver Island at -9.1, as well as in the Alberta communities of Breton, Hendrickson Creek and Red Earth Creek.

The weather agency says Breton, 110 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, saw temperatures drop to -37.6 C, breaking the record of -37.3 set in 1968.

The blast of winter weather has also struck Metro Vancouver, with temperatures falling to -13 C with a windchill factor of -23 and three centimetres of abrupt snowfall Thursday wreaking havoc on local roads and highways.

Among the most serious incidents was a crash involving two dozen vehicles that shut down the eastbound lanes of Highway 91 in Richmond, south of Vancouver, which stalled traffic for hours during Thursday's evening commute.

B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation has warned motorists through its DriveBC service, saying roads across the province are showing icy or snowy conditions, and drivers are asked to "drive with caution no matter where your travels take you today." 

Images across social media show traffic chaos throughout the Lower Mainland last night, with buses hampered and roads covered with snow or the sheen of black ice.

TransLink says on social media platform X that SkyTrain service on two lines have been delayed due to inclement weather, and riders should be aware of forecasts and dress appropriately in case of further disruptions.

Environment Canada cold and Arctic outflow warnings are splashed in red across the agency's map of Canada, from Haida Gwaii, B.C., to western Manitoba.

It says the cold snap won't shake loose until at least Saturday, and forecasters warn the gusting winds can make temperatures feel like -40 C or even -55 in some parts.

That means frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

Those who do venture outside are being told to watch for symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, or fingers and toes changing colour.

While extreme cold puts everyone at risk, Environment Canada says the risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

MORE National ARTICLES

No charges in B.C. 2022 Christmas Eve bus crash that left 4 dead

No charges in B.C. 2022 Christmas Eve bus crash that left 4 dead
The prosecution service guideline says in order for charges to be approved, there must be a "substantial likelihood of conviction" based on the strength of the evidence as well as the public interest being served in a prosecution. The crash of the bus operated by Alberta-based Ebus happened on Highway 97C, the Okanagan Connector, east of Merritt, when the bus went off the road and flipped on its side

No charges in B.C. 2022 Christmas Eve bus crash that left 4 dead

1 year pilot project to provide free menstrual supplies in 15 facilities across Delta

1 year pilot project to provide free menstrual supplies in 15 facilities across Delta
The City of Delta has launched a one-year pilot project to provide free menstrual supplies in 15 facilities across the city. Pads and tampons are now available at washrooms of the city’s public facilities and they will be replenished in the same way toilet paper and paper towel are in washrooms. 

1 year pilot project to provide free menstrual supplies in 15 facilities across Delta

Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action won't be done until 2081: report

Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action won't be done until 2081: report
A new report from the Yellowhead Institute says Canada won't complete all 94 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action until 2081. The institute found that no calls to action were completed over the course of 2023. 

Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action won't be done until 2081: report

Pharmacare not a priority for most and East Coast outages persist

Pharmacare not a priority for most and East Coast outages persist
As Liberals and New Democrats negotiate what a future national drug plan should look like, a new survey suggests pharmacare is not at the top of the priority list for most Canadians. The survey shows that when asked to name their top two health-care priorities, only 18 per cent of those surveyed said the government should prioritize creating a new, universal, single-payer drug plan.

Pharmacare not a priority for most and East Coast outages persist

CRA has fired 185 employees for 'inappropriately' claiming COVID-19 CERB benefits

CRA has fired 185 employees for 'inappropriately' claiming COVID-19 CERB benefits
The Canada Revenue Agency says 185 employees have been fired to date for claiming a federal COVID-19 benefit when they were not eligible for it. That's an increase of 65 since the CRA last updated the public on its review in September. 

CRA has fired 185 employees for 'inappropriately' claiming COVID-19 CERB benefits

BC company forfeits 10M to Province

BC company forfeits 10M to Province
A B-C company has forfeited 10 million dollars to the province over allegations it provided payment services for people around the world who ran scams aimed at elderly seniors.  Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says a settlement agreement with PacNet Services is the largest such confiscation in the history of its civil forfeiture program.   

BC company forfeits 10M to Province