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Extreme Cold Warning in Effect *UPDATE*

Update: The extreme cold warning has ended as of 10:30 Tuesday morning. 

An extreme cold warning is still in effect for Timmins today. A cold Artic air mass is traveling across the North, dropping wind chills to as cold as minus 40. Environment Canada says to be careful of frost bite, as it only takes a few minutes. If your fingers and toes change colour, hurt, or go numb, get inside and start warming up. Also be careful of shortness of breath and chest pains. Extreme cold warnings are issued when there is a high risk of frost bite and hypothermia. Muscle stiffness is also a warning sign. If you are working outside, remove any outer layers when you are warm but before you start sweating.

Full warning from Environment Canada:

Extreme Cold Warning in effect for:

  • Little Abitibi – Kesagami Lake
  • Timmins – Cochrane – Iroquois Falls

A prolonged period of very cold wind chills continues.

A very cold Arctic air mass has become established across Northern Ontario. Northwest winds of 10 to 20 km/h are combining with low temperatures to produce extreme wind chill values near minus 40 this morning.

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People outdoors should dress appropriately as frost bite on exposed skin may occur in a few minutes.

Watch for cold related symptoms and complaints which include:
– Respiratory: shortness of breath, wheezing and cough
– Cardiovascular: chest pain and arrhythmias
– Circulation: colour change of finger and toes, pain, numbness and tickling sensation in extremities
– Muscle: pain, stiffness, swelling, restricted movement, weakness
– Skin: itching, pale.
If you experience these symptoms when exposed to the cold, move indoors and begin warming.

Wear appropriate clothing.
– Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
– Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
– Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
– If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required, so stay tuned to your local media or Weatheradio. Email reports of severe weather to [email protected] or tweet with the hashtag #ONStorm.

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