With temperatures observed at the Quesnel Regional Airport at 5 a.m. sitting at -37 C and an extreme cold warning issued for the Cariboo, all school buses in Quesnel are cancelled today, Tuesday, Jan. 14.
“At approximately 5 a.m., the Transportation Department determined, in consultation with appropriate sources, that most rural bus routes were unsafe for school bus travel,” states the Quesnel School District’s website. “Student safety is our top priority.”
The school district’s policy is to cancel bus runs when temperatures are -32 C or colder or the roads have been deemed unsafe for school bus travel.
Schools are open, and teachers will be in attendance at schools.
“Where there is sufficient attendance, regular instruction will take place,” states the school district. “However, if all students cannot attend, the regular program will not be offered and students attending will receive instructional support, be offered study sessions, and/or review.
This morning at 3:21 a.m., Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning for the Cariboo north, including Quesnel, and south, including Williams Lake.
“A period of very cold wind chills continues,” the warning states. “Bitterly cold arctic air will continue to remain entrenched over the area today through Wednesday. Occasional winds to 15 km/h will give wind chill values down to -40.”
Environment Canada says extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to heath, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” it states. “Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.”
To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
READ MORE: Special weather statement in effect for Quesnel
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