London and area under an extreme cold warning, says weather agency

London, Strathroy and the MiddlesexCounty area is under an extreme cold weather warning, according to Environment Canada.

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The weather agency issued an alert Tuesday shortly before 4 p.m. with temperatures in the sub zeros all week long.

Meteorologist Haizhen Sun advises people to reconsider making any trips outdoors as frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin.

"Keep warm. Wear warmer clothes. Stay inside and don't stay out for a long time. Watch out for children and seniors," she said.

"It's pretty cold. Extreme cold warnings are issued when the temperature drops with a little bit of wind of about 10 to 20 kilometres per hour"

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Sun said extreme cold warnings are issued when thewind chill reaches anywhere close to -30 C. They can also be issued when wind chill creates a heightened risk to health concerns.

Flurries are expected to begin on Wednesday with a chance of snow squalls over the weekend.

Highway conditions

OPP officials sent out several warnings on Tuesday, prompting motorists to slow down on the roadways.

OPP Constable Ken Johnston said several minor crashes were reported in the Middlesex-Oxford region over the holiday weekend. No fatalities were reported.

Johnston said driving conditions are safe as long as drivers take extra caution, and check the Ministry of Transportation website for updated road conditions.

"Just because a sign says 100 kilometres per hour, doesn'tmean that's the safe speed to go on so. Follow along with traffic and go on a safe speed so you can maintain control of your vehicle," he said.

Johnston said several corridors along the 400 serieshave snow covered areas that are prone for ice and freezing.

Flight delays

London International Airport has reported several flight delays on its website.

As of Tuesday afternoon, a WestJet and Air Canada departing flight to Toronto have been delayed.

Airport officials recently said delays may be caused by long de-icing lines for aircrafts.

You can send weather related photos or news tips to londonnewstips.cbc.ca