Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Chatham-Kent, indicating that a significant snowfall event is anticipated to commence on Sunday morning, lasting through to Monday morning. Residents should prepare for snowfall accumulations ranging from 10 to 20 centimetres, with localized higher totals possible due to lake effect snow.
Alongside the heavy snowfall, visibility may be compromised at times due to the intensity of the snow and local blowing conditions. Meteorologists have noted some uncertainty surrounding the exact snowfall totals, as even minor shifts in the weather system’s track could lead to substantial variations in accumulation across the region. Therefore, residents are advised to stay updated on forecasts as the situation evolves.
Moreover, the area is currently experiencing bitterly cold temperatures, with wind chill values dipping to between minus 30 and minus 33 degrees Celsius and wind gusts reaching up to 50 km/h. The extreme cold poses health risks to all individuals, with frostbite potentially occurring on exposed skin within minutes, especially when combined with windy conditions.
Cold-related health concerns can include symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, numbness, and changes in skin color on extremities. As such, residents are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, limit outdoor exposure, check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors, and ensure that pets are kept indoors. Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks to warm up.
In light of these adverse weather conditions, Environment Canada emphasizes the importance of monitoring alerts and forecasts closely. The public is also urged to report severe weather incidents through the established channels to aid in community awareness and safety.