Extreme Cold Weather Alert Issued For Toronto
Posted January 2, 2010 12:05 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Torontonians hit by the familiar blast of icy air Saturday morning didn’t need anyone to tell them it was cold.
Although die-hard joggers and cyclists weren’t deterred, most people bundled up in parkas and took cover.
But indeed, the City has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, adding services to help get homeless people off the street where they may not survive the frigid temperatures.
Outreach workers will be urging them to seek shelter overnight and will provide TTC tokens so they can get to their destination. In addition, there will be 168 more beds available and shelters will be less restrictive.
An alert is called when Environment Canada predicts a temperature of -15 degrees Celsius or colder or when extreme winter weather is expected.
Shortly before noon on Saturday, the mercury hit -15 Celsius, feeling more like -26 with the wind chill. It will stay there until Sunday, when the high will climb to -8 Celsius.
To get an emergency shelter bed, call 311 or for a direct line, contact 416-338-4766 (adults and youth) or 416-397-5637 (families).
If you see someone who needs help during an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, call 311. Dial 911 only in case of emergency.
For more information, visit the City of Toronto website.
To view the local forecast, click here
