City of Toronto issues an Extreme Cold Weather Alert for today

Feb 12 2018, 9:08 pm

Despite being spared the forecast Snowmaggedon over the weekend, The City of Toronto has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today, February 12, 2018, as temperatures are expected to dip to a low of -16ºC with the windchill.

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, issues Extreme Cold Weather Alerts based on information from Environment Canada, “when the temperature is forecast to reach -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 or colder.”

The forecast for today calls for a high temperature of -3ºC today, while northwest winds gusting 20 km/h are expected early this event.

Environment Canada

Environment Canada

The Cold Weather Alert will remain in effect until further notice and “The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.”

According to a new release, “Extreme Cold Weather Alerts activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. A warming centre is open at Metro Hall by 7 pm the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Other services include additional shelter beds, notification to community agencies to relax any service restrictions, availability of transit tokens in some drop-ins, and overnight street outreach.”

The City also recommends precautions for the public which includes dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and staying indoors; “Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it’s windy.”

Stay warm, Toronto! Winter isn’t over just yet.

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