Deep freeze numbs GTA as Environment Canada issues extreme cold warning

Environment Canada issued a slew of extreme cold warnings on Wednesday as temperatures plummet below -15 C and a wind chillof -30 numbs the Greater Toronto Area.

The frigidtemperatures and wind chill in Toronto, along with Durham, Halton and Peel regions, creates an elevated risk to health, such as frost bite and hypothermia, the federal weather agency says.

High winds will bring a low of -22 CWednesday night, though it will feel more like-30.

PeterKimbell, warning preparedness meteorologist for Environment Canada, predicts tonight's cold snap will edge into record-breaking territory at TorontoPearson. The 57-year-old record for Dec. 27, measured at the airport,is -18.9 C.

Environment Canada is asking people to watch for cold-related symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and a change in the colour of the fingers and toes.

"Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant," the weather statement read.

Over 100 vehicles stranded

CAAOntario received 100 calls early Wednesday from motorists struggling to start their vehicles. Spokesperson KaitlynnFurse anticipates those numbers will rise throughout the day as numbing temperatures takea toll.

"Batteries do tend to be an issue during these cold snaps as the cold and frigid temperatures can drain the power from your vehicle's battery," Fursesaid in an email.

To avoid dead batteries, she recommends motorists turn off their vehicle's heat, radio and lights before starting the engine. Furseis also urging motorists to check their vehicle's battery before hitting the road.

"The average life of a battery is three to five years, but driving conditions, weather and lack of care can shorten the lifespan of a battery," she told CBC Toronto.

According to CAAOntario these are signs that yourvehicle battery may needto be replaced:

• Your vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start.
• Agrinding, clicking or buzzing sound can be heard when you turn on the ignition.
• Your vehicle has previously stalled.
• The headlights dim when idling, but brighten when you rev the engine.

CAAOntario recommends replacing a battery the minute its performance becomes suspect.

Furnacerepairs on the rise

Furnace companies operating in the GTAare scrambling to keep up with repair requests amid dropping temperatures.

Richard Shaw, manager of Toronto Air Conditioning and Furnace Repair, warns home owners turning up their thermostats to keep the cold out could be putting a strain on them if they're not properly maintained.

In the last week, he has received around 60 calls.

"Over 85 per cent of the service calls we get are because people don't change their filters," he said, noting they should be replaced every three months to prevent the furnace from over heating.

Travellers urged to check flight status

The winter weather has Toronto Pearsonasking passengers to check their flight status online. The airport, however, indicated on Twitter that operations may be running "at a slower pace" due to the extreme cold.

"[Outdoor workers] are operating as effectively as possible in the current conditions to continue processing luggage and preparing planes for departure," the Greater Toronto Airports Authority said.

Risk of water main breaks, frozen pipes

Toronto Water says several days of deep freeze may cause pipes to burst.

Since Christmas Day, there has been 11 water main breaks throughout the city, saidRick Rawlinson, manager of operations andmaintenance for Toronto Water, in an email.

While "thisis not unusual for this time of year," Rawlinson says residents can avoid frozen pipes by:

• Leaving a tap slightly open for a very thin stream of water.
• Insulating pipes that are outside or exposed to an uninsulatedwall with foam pipe covers.
• Opening kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Turning off the main valve and opening the taps to drain water if leaving for a lengthy stretch.

To thaw frozen pipes, the city recommends:

• Turning on a tap in the basement, preferably the cold water faucet in the laundry room.
• Using a blow dryer to warm the frozen pipe for one to two hours.
• Wrapping a warm towel around a frozen pipe.
• Patience the thawing process could take up to six hours depending on the extent of freezing.

Frigid week in store forGTA

Toronto has been under an extreme cold weather alert for the last three days. Toronto Public Health first issued the alert on Monday, warning of temperatures below -15 C and a wind chill of - 20 or colder.

The city recommends that peopleheading out in the cold weatherdress in layers, cover exposed skin and stay dry.

The deep freeze is expected to stick around into the new year. Kimbell says the citywill be quite cold with a forecastwell below the freezing mark throughout the week. Temperatures will warm slightly to -8 C on Jan. 2, he added.

In the meantime, the extreme cold warning is expected to remain in effect Thursday asthe forecast is calling for ahigh of -13 C and a wind chill of -30.