Close X
Sunday, November 24, 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

Death toll rises to five in cantaloupe salmonella outbreak, as cases almost double

Death toll rises to five in cantaloupe salmonella outbreak, as cases almost double
The Public Health Agency of Canada says the death toll has risen to five in a salmonella outbreak linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes. It says 129 people have been confirmed with salmonella linked to the outbreak, almost double the number at the last update on Dec. 1, when a single death had been recorded.

Death toll rises to five in cantaloupe salmonella outbreak, as cases almost double

Speeding blitz in Kelowna issues 80 tickets in November

Speeding blitz in Kelowna issues 80 tickets in November
It was a busy month for Kelowna R-C-M-P officers as they dealt with a slew of speeding drivers in November. The Mounties say they handed out 80 speeding tickets last month.  

Speeding blitz in Kelowna issues 80 tickets in November

8 people are facing drug trafficking charges in Courtenay

8 people are facing drug trafficking charges in Courtenay
8 people are facing trafficking charges after a lengthy investigation in Courtenay. Comox Valley R-C-M-P say two units collaborated to specifically target drug traffickers in Courtenay's downtown.

8 people are facing drug trafficking charges in Courtenay

Child luring incident in North Vancouver

Child luring incident in North Vancouver
Police in North Vancouver are looking for witnesses after a child reported being approached by a stranger driving a truck. The Mounties say it happened early afternoon near West 13th Street and Mahon Avenue as a 10-year-old boy was walking along the street.  

Child luring incident in North Vancouver

CBC head Catherine Tait summoned to committee over job cuts, executive bonuses

CBC head Catherine Tait summoned to committee over job cuts, executive bonuses
The House of Commons heritage committee unanimously agreed on Thursday to have the president of the public broadcaster address the cuts and potential bonuses. The committee summoned Tait to appear at its first meeting in the new year following the holiday recess, but a date has yet to be set. 

CBC head Catherine Tait summoned to committee over job cuts, executive bonuses

R.J. Simpson chosen as next Northwest Territories premier

R.J. Simpson chosen as next Northwest Territories premier
Newly elected members of the Northwest Territories legislature have chosen their next premier.  R.J. Simpson, the legislature member for Hay River North, won on the second round of voting Thursday. Simpson was first elected to the legislature in 2015, and previously worked with the federal government, Northern Transportation Co. Ltd., Métis Nation Local 51 and Maskwa Engineering. 

R.J. Simpson chosen as next Northwest Territories premier