For the third consecutive day, Albertans are braving the conditions and facing temperatures below the minus thirty degree mark when the wind chill is taken into consideration.
Environment Canada predicts Wednesday night's wind chill could reach minus forty in several areas and has issued wind chill warnings for the following regions:
- Brooks - Strathmore - Vulcan
- Cardston - Fort Macleod - Magrath
- Drumheller - Three Hills
- Hanna - Coronation - Oyen
- Lethbridge - Taber - Milk River
The cold snap is playing havoc on vehicles resulting in long waits for tow trucks and locksmith services.
According to the Alberta Motor Association (AMA), as of Wednesday morning, estimated wait times in Calgary are as follows:
- Tow service – 10 hours
- Battery boost – 3.5 hours
- Tire change – 3.5 hours
- Unlocking a vehicle – 3.5 hours
- Locksmith services for broken or lost keys – 4 hours
- Battery testing or replacement – 4 hours (service is restricted to indoor or sheltered locations
While the AMA estimates a ten hour wait for a tow truck, other tow truck companies say they can provide a truck in as little as four hours.
The frigid temperatures have prompted Winsport officials to extend the closure of the ski and snowboard hill at Canada Olympic Park. Operations at the hill were halted Tuesday and the chairlifts will remain dormant until Mother Nature cooperates. For updated ski hill information, visit Winsport.
The Calgary Fire Department has responded to several reports of water main breaks throughout the city. Homes and businesses may experience water issues as pipes which are close to exterior walls are susceptible to freezing and may burst when warm temperatures return.
Calgarians will have ample time to aclimate to the conditions as the SkyWatch Weather Five day forecast predicts highs in the negative teens through the weekend.
