Residents of Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish, Sea to Sky Highway and Howe Sound have been warned to brace themselves for the first Arctic intrusion of the year. An Arctic Outflow Warning is now in effect.
According to Environment Canada, the Arctic air combined with strong outflow winds will generate wind chill values of minus 20 to minus 30 beginning on Thursday night and lasting until Saturday afternoon.
The risk of frostbite and hypothermia is high during this time, and it is advised that people take adequate precautions when outdoors. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if precautions are not taken when outside. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.
Dress warmly in layers and stay dry if you need to be outside. While the wind chill values may moderate on Saturday afternoon, uncertainty remains on the timing of the warm-up. Continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
