the cold is exacerbated by northerly winds causing windchill values of up to -45 c for several days in the b.c. peace river, prince george, fort nelson, and the cariboo including quesnel and williams lake.
residents of the north coast including kitimat, stewart and terrace are under an arctic outflow warning and told to prepare for cold temperatures and strong winds that will make it feel like -20 to -30 c starting wednesday night. the central coast, including bella bella, will see temperatures drop thursday morning.
with those temperatures, frostbite and
hypothermia could occur within minutes if someone isn’t dressed appropriately outdoors, said environment canada.
charbonneau recommends keeping an eye on the local forecasts in the coming days, checking in on neighbours, family and friends who may be vulnerable in the cold, and be prepared when driving or heading outdoors.
“we haven’t had to deal with winter weather yet. now is the time to remember what it entails,” she said.
a forecaster with avalanche canada says outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t let their excitement over recent heavy snowfalls override the need for caution.
james floyer says while some might feel the dump of snow means the “gates to nirvana have opened” on western canada’s mountains, the snow will take until at least friday to settle and will be particularly susceptible to avalanches in the meantime.