By Laura Keil
If you’re planning to enjoy the snow this holiday season, chilly temperatures may put a chill on any outdoor adventures.
Environment Canada warns that the Prince George to the Robson Valley region, may receive 15-25cm of snow by Wed. Dec. 22nd followed soon after by temperatures ranging from -20 to -30 that will last through the Christmas weekend.
“A winter storm approaching from the north will give snow to the central B.C. Interior,” Environment Canada said. “The snow will taper off to flurries by Wednesday afternoon.”
It warns that visibility may be suddenly reduced due to heavy snow.
“The Arctic air is going to really start plunging down into the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, pushing across the Central Interior,” Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor told the Prince George Citizen Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, the seven-day forecast for Valemount & McBride is calling for daytime highs of -16 starting Friday and dipping down as low as -33 at night on Saturday.
According to Emergency Management BC, being prepared for the cold means dressing in layers, with a wind- and water-resistant outer layer and to cover as much exposed skin as possible by wearing hats, scarves and gloves to avoid frostbite. Try to stay dry and change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
People who take to the road should bring warm clothing that does not restrict movement when driving and ensure their vehicles are equipped with a full tank of fuel, a windshield scraper and snow brush, food and water, blanket, a first-aid kit and other emergency supplies.
If stuck or stranded, people should stay in their vehicles and call 911 for roadside assistance if they can.
Households can prepare for power outages by developing a household emergency plan and putting together an emergency kit. Advice on how to do that can be found at bchydro.com/getprepared.
