By Pete McIntyre

Double whammy: snow followed by deep freeze

Jan 11, 2020 | 8:47 PM

In case you hadn’t heard: the coldest part of the winter is lurking just around the corner.

It’s been snowing, off and on, since Friday, and the snow will be followed by a new system moving in Sunday that will bring frigid temperatures.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement advising Okanagan residents to “be prepared for bitterly cold air.”

“An extremely cold arctic airmass over the northern interior will make its way southward through the weekend. This airmass will begin to move across the central interior tonight and then across the southern interior on Sunday,” said the weather statement.

The weather agency says temperatures will plummet to values not seen in years.

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“With strong north winds, it is expected that wind chill values will reach between minus 30 and minus 40 through the central interior by Sunday morning and down to minus 30 in the Columbias and southwest interior by Monday morning. Most of the Kootenays won’t reach really cold wind chill values until Monday night,” the statement added.

The first significant cold spell of the season has prompted Environment Canada to issue the following cold weather safety reminders:

Check the weather forecast before going outside; pay attention to both the temperature and the wind chill factor, plan ahead and limit your time outside, dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer; wear a toque or hat, mittens and a scarf to cover exposed skin; wear warm and waterproof footwear, seek shelter from the wind, stay dry; if you are wearing too many layers and begin to sweat, unzip or remove a layer, stay active while outside to generate body heat, be aware of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention immediately, if required.

The City of Vernon has issued the following safety tips for residents clearing snow from sidewalks or a driveway.

Remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours of the end of the snowfall (as per Traffic Bylaw #5600); Pile snow on grass areas where possible and never around fire hydrants, on bus stops or storm drains; When shoveling snow off your driveway, store the snow on the left side of the driveway (when facing the property) and do not push it into the street. This will increase visibility when leaving your driveway, and will make the road safer for other motorists; Park vehicles off-street wherever possible to allow snowplows to clear a larger portion of the road; and Keep children, pets and yourself a safe distance away from heavy snow clearing equipment.

The city is thanking residents for their hard work in clearing sidewalks and for having patience as crews clean-up from these major winter storms.

by Pete McIntyre

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