Remember your water pipes

We’ve been lucky to dodge the stinging bite of Arctic cold up to now this winter in the East Kootenay but our luck is running out starting tonight (Jan. 10) and then getting seriously frosty by Thursday afternoon (Jan. 11).

Environment Canada forecasts overnight temperatures for the region to range from -18 to  -27 C in the Cranbrook/Kimberley, South Country and Columbia Valley areas and potentially as low as -28 in the Elk Valley and as cold as -35 C in Kootenay National Park (pictured), where there is an Extreme Cold Warning.

And it’s going to get even colder Thursday, with potential lows of -36 in the Elk Valley, -43 in Kootenay National Park and – 28 in Cranbrook/Kimberley and South Country.

An extremely cold Arctic ridge is strengthening over B.C. combined with northeasterly winds of 40 km/h that will produce the above noted wind chill values, Environment Canada reported.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Check on older family, friends and neighbours,” Environment Canada outlined.

The cold snap is expected to linger until Tuesday, Jan. 16, with temperatures becoming more moderate.

The City of Cranbrook provided the following advice around the possibility of water pipes freezing in some areas.

“If your home has had frozen pipes before, please run your cold-water tap. The size of the stream should be the size of a pencil to help prevent your water lines from freezing. If your lines do freeze, please call a local plumbing company for help.”

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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