B.C. warns locals to prepare for extremely cold winter conditions

Tuesday kicks off the first day of winter, forcing British Columbians to prepare for the cold weather ahead.

A series of strong storms are expected to clash with cold Arctic air throughout B.C. during the holidays, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. Heavy snow and freezing rain are also expected to hit the province from now until New Year’s Day.

“We are once again facing the potential for extreme weather in our province,” Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General said in a statement. “It is imperative that we all watch the weather carefully and look out for those who are most vulnerable,” he adds.

In addition to the new health orders coming to B.C., Farnworth is also warning of the impacts of the floods on major highways and roads, officials are urging drivers to plan ahead and drive according to weather and road conditions if they must travel during the upcoming holiday season.

“We need to be ready to be prepared for extreme freezing temperatures and risks to our still vulnerable highways especially highways three, five, and 99.”

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For people in need of a warm, safe place to stay during the cold and wet winter months there will be additional access to emergency shelter spaces. All shelters, including extreme-weather response shelters, are open throughout B.C. this winter.

In a statement, the province outlines the plan to provide over 1,900 temporary shelter spaces and nearly 360 extreme-weather response shelter spaces, ensure people experiencing homelessness have a warm place to sleep and get out of the cold and rain. The extreme weather response shelters are available overnight when a community issues an extreme-weather alert.

To find out more about how to be safe during extreme weather and road safety visit gov.bc.ca.