Special Weather Statement issued for Toronto and GTHA: High winds and plummeting temperatures expected

Strong wind warning and Extreme Cold Weather alert for Toronto

A Special Weather Statement has been issued for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, this afternoon and into the evening.

Environment Canada says residents can expect “Strong west to northwesterly winds gusting up to 80 km/h will develop this afternoon. The strong winds will diminish this evening.”

There also snow squall warnings north of the city along with even stronger Wind Warnings up to 90 km/h for the Lake Huron and Geogian Bay Areas.

It goes without saying, but Environment Canada warns that with the strong winds may throw loose objects, cause tree branches to break and damage property. Power outages are also possible.

Additionally, The Weather Network says temperatures are expected to plummet as the day begins at 1 celsius with a windchill of -6 before continuing to drop to -9 c with a windchill of -19 this evening and -11 c over night with a windchill -21 celsius.

On Tuesday morning, weather sources are saying it will be -10 c before climbing back up to 0 celsius in the afternoon and -3 degrees celsius at night.

Extreme Cold Weather Alert

Also, based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s forecast, Toronto’s Office of Emergency Management, in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health, has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert (ECWA) today for Toronto in anticipation of colder weather conditions within the next 24 hours or longer. The ECWA will be in effect until further notice.

ECWAs are issued when the temperature in the daily forecast suggests temperatures will reach approximately -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 or colder. Other weather-related factors may also be considered when issuing ECWAs.

ECWAs activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. Additional space will be activated at Warming Centres during ECWAs. The City’s Streets to Homes Program will also provide enhanced street outreach response to help support and encourage those living outside to come indoors.

Toronto Warming Centres open by 7 pm

Warming Centres are open by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called and will remain open throughout the ECWA. The Warming Centres are located at the following:

• 129 Peter St.
• 5800 Yonge St.
• Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre,195 Princes’ Blvd.
• Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.

The City asks residents to contact 311 if they see a person experiencing homelessness in need of assistance and the City will dispatch an outreach team to investigate. If the person is in distress or needs immediate assistance, call 911.

To access a shelter, call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766, 1-877-338-3398 toll-free.

Throughout the year, 24-hour respite sites provide meals, places to rest, and service referrals at locations across the city. People can call 311 for locations and to connect to Central Intake for a referral. Homeless Help lists site information at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation when deeper tissues freeze.

During an ECWA, members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Check the weather report before going outside.
• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.
• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm.
• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
• Drink warm fluids other than alcohol.
• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it’s windy.
• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.
• Call, text or video chat with family, friends and neighbours (especially older adults living alone) to make sure they are keeping warm and not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

photo by Stephen Uhraney

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