London, ON – The strong winds that have been blowing down branches and sending recycling bins all over local subdivisions will continue overnight, bringing with them numbing windchill values that will make it feel like -20. While ambient temperatures aren’t expected to drop any lower than -12C overnight, the windchill and damp conditions that will accompany it, have prompted the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue the fourth Cold Weather Alert of the season. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for winds gusting between 20 and 40 km/h this evening, before letting up on Tuesday morning. The Cold Weather Alert will remain in effect until tomorrow afternoon when the windchill eases to -14.
“The combination of strong and bitterly cold wind, mixed with overall damp weather conditions, can be particularly dangerous for anyone who has to be outside for any length of time,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We suggest that people who are going to be spending any time outside this evening, or in the overnight hours, make sure that they prepare for the conditions. That means dressing in layers and protecting exposed skin.”
Even though it may not be extremely cold outside, strong winds can create conditions which can cause serious damage, such as frostbite, to exposed skin. Symptoms of frostbite can include skin turning red, blue or in later stages, grayish-white. Individuals may experience pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in the fingers, toes, ears and nose, which are most susceptible to the cold. If you suspect frostbite, warm the affected area by placing it next to warmer skin or immerse in warm, but not hot, water. Do not rub the affected area, and seek emergency medical treatment for cases of severe, blistering frostbite. The re-warming process may take up to 60 minutes.
Very cold conditions brought on by winter weather can also carry the risk of hypothermia, which may happen when a person’s internal body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms can include pale skin, drowsiness, confusion and hallucinations. While individuals may shiver in the early stages of hypothermia, shivering may decrease as body temperature drops. In severe cases, individuals lose consciousness, their breathing becomes shallow and their pulse becomes irregular and hard to detect. Anyone with these symptoms requires emergency medical treatment in order to prevent coma or death.
If you see someone who is outdoors and in distress due to the cold, contact London CAReS at 519-667-2273. If you feel the situation is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. To view a list a list of warming centres in the City of London, please visit http://www.london.ca/residents/Recreation/announcements/Pages/Warming-Centres.aspx.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570
Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit