More snow and ‘prolonged’ cold warnings for southwestern Ontario

Temperatures are set to drop again. CTV's Ashley Bacon has the details.

Southwestern Ontario is getting hit with yet another blast of winter weather.

Environment Canada is warning of a “prolonged” period of frigid temperatures starting Friday night. They said it could feel like -30 to -35 with the windchill overnight, and again Saturday evening into Sunday morning in some areas.

The agency also issued a second weather alert due to the blowing snow.

“A low pressure system is pushing into the region today which will bring snow, with 4 to 8 cm possible by [Friday] evening,” it said. “Strong northwesterly winds will develop behind the low which will lead to widespread blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility.”

Environment Canada said those gusts could range between 70 and 80 km/h.

Health hazard

Extreme cold warnings are only issued when the temperature, or the windchill, is expected to fall to minus 30 degrees over a period of two hours or more.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe when temperatures plummet.

Skin, especially on your hands, feet, ears and nose, can freeze quickly if it is exposed to the cold air for a lengthy period of time. Mild frostbite will turn the skin yellowish or white, but the surface will remain soft. Once inside, the skin should return to normal.

• MORE: Protecting yourself from frostbite

Severe frostbite can cause serious tissue damage and requires immediate medical attention.

Warming centres

Seek out a warming centre if you need a break from the frigid temperatures.

The Region of Waterloo has the sites in Cambridge, Kitchener, North Dumfries, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich listed on its website.

Guelph’s warming centres are also posted online there’s also an infographic specifically for residents who are currently unhoused.

The City of Stratford recently opened its first overnight warming centre at the Connections Centre on Duoro Street.

Brantford also has warming centres, and Brant County’s can be found here.