Environment Canada: Atlantic Region News Releases

DARTMOUTH, November 28, 2003 – “Weather Aware – Weather Prepared” is the theme of Environment Canada’s third annual Severe Winter Weather Awareness Week, which runs from December 1-5 in Atlantic Canada.

“Severe Winter Weather Awareness Week allows us the opportunity to raise public awareness of the hazards of winter weather and remind people of ways to get informed and stay safe,“ says Bill Appleby, Director of the Meteorological Service of Canada, Atlantic Region. “While winter storms are a fact of life in Atlantic Canada, each year some people are still caught unprepared, putting themselves or their property at risk.”

Wind chill is a main focus for this year’s awareness campaign. Wind chill is an issue whenever wind speeds climb, however it tends to be of particular concern in Labrador and parts of New Brunswick due to their continental climates where strong winds coupled with cold air masses are more common.

“Each year, more than 80 people in Canada die from over-exposure to the cold and many more suffer injuries from hypothermia and frostbite,” says Appleby. “Wind chill plays a major role because it speeds up how quickly a body loses heat, leaving children, the elderly and even pets particularly vulnerable.”

People can take a few simple steps to help keep safe when wind chill is a factor:

• Listen to Environment Canada weather forecasts and be alert for weather warnings
• Plan ahead, limiting your time outdoors during very cold wind chills
• Dress warmly, covering exposed skin, dressing in layers with an outer layer that is wind-resistant, and wearing a hat, mittens, scarf or face mask.
• Seek shelter/try to get out of the wind while outdoors
• Stay dry because wet clothing chills you more quickly
• Keep active to keep warm

Environment Canada implemented a new national wind chill index in 2001. Expressed in temperature like units, wind chill forecasts are now much closer to what people actually feel. So, if the outside air temperature is -10°C and the wind chill is -20, it means that your face will feel as cold as it would on a calm day when the air temperature is -20°C.

Appleby explains that how people should prepare for severe weather can depend on where they live because different areas are prone to certain weather extremes. For example, Atlantic Canada typically receives more freezing rain than any other area of North America. New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the island of Newfoundland lie along a major storm track and are prone to high winds and heavy snowfalls from severe winter storms. In mainland Nova Scotia heavy rain, thunderstorms and potentially high snow melt and flooding can occur with higher frequency.

In recent years, coastal storm surges have been especially notable in PEI, eastern New Brunswick and northern Nova Scotia. With the potential for increased storminess due to climate change, Atlantic Canada is increasingly susceptible to the negative impacts of higher storm surge, higher wave heights and increased coastal flooding and damage in a future warmer climate.

By taking a few simple precautions and staying weather-aware, Atlantic Canadians can help ensure a safe and enjoyable winter. "It may sound like basic information," says Appleby, "but being aware of your local Environment Canada forecast, dressing for the weather, driving prudently and having an emergency kit in your home and car is a good start to being prepared."