Toronto and southern Ontario are bracing for a prolonged winter blast this weekend. Environment Canada has issued a cold warning alongside a winter storm alert, with conditions expected to remain harsh.
The bitter cold, coupled with wind chill values plummeting into the minus 30s, poses risks to anyone venturing outdoors. Frostbite can set in rapidly on exposed skin, emphasizing the importance of staying warm and safe.
Symptoms of extreme cold exposure include shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle weakness, and numbness in extremities. The frigid temperatures are anticipated to persist, exacerbating the situation before the arrival of the impending winter storm.
The storm is forecasted to bring significant snowfall, ranging from 15 to 30 cm in certain regions, accompanied by strong wind gusts up to 50 km/h. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate, with near-zero visibility posing hazards on the roads.
Areas near the lakeshore, notably downtown Toronto, are likely to bear the brunt of the snowfall due to lake-effect snow created by easterly winds off Lake Ontario. The fluffy snow, combined with the cold temperatures, will make for challenging travel conditions as visibility may be severely reduced.
Environment Canada advises residents to prepare for the unpredictable weather and anticipate disruptions in travel plans as the storm progresses.