Intense cold weather across Canada on Sunday has prompted utility companies to issue warnings to customers and airlines to delay or cancel flights.
From the Atlantic provinces through to the Prairies, residents have been hunkered down to wait out a bone-chilling cold snap, with parts of the Prairies expected to reach lows of –55 C with the wind chill.
Environment Canada says Ontario is bracing for a big freeze Saturday morning, with wind chill temperatures in Toronto and Ottawa expected to range from –30 C to –40 C.
In Hamilton, St. Matthew’s House says the warming centres and drop-in spaces it runs are all full, while an official in Montreal says capacity for similar places are at 90 per cent capacity.
Nova Scotia Power implored customers to conserve energy as temperatures fall into minus double digits and higher demand for heating pushes the power system to its warning phase — meaning “the power system is forecast to approach maximum capacity,” according to its website.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro officials have echoed a similar warning, saying there may not be enough electricity to meet demand and rotating outages are possible.
Air Canada says in a notice on its website that extreme cold at airports in Toronto and Montreal is causing delays and that customers can rebook at no cost.
WestJet has similar advisories that include airports in Halifax, Moncton, N.B., and Quebec City, as well as south of the border in Atlanta, Houston and New York City.
A severe winter storm has been causing widespread disruption across the United States, forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights, including some destined for Canada.
