‘Seek shelter’: City officials issue extreme cold weather alert for Toronto

City officials in Toronto have issued an extreme cold weather alert (ECWA) on Sunday, urging residents to “seek shelter” and “check on loved ones.”

In a press release issued Sunday, the city said it issued the alert based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s forecast, “especially wind chill forecasts.”

The city said the alert was issued “in anticipation of the cold weather conditions forecasted for the next 24 hours or longer.”

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“The ECWA will be in effect until further notice,” the city said.

According to the city, an ECWA is issued when temperatures are forecasted to reach -15 degrees Celcius, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 degrees Celcius or colder.

“ECWAs are issued to ensure Toronto residents take necessary precautions to stay safe from the cold,” the release reads. “They also activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside.”

The city said the warming centres that were activated on Jan. 7, will remain open.

The warming centres are located at 129 Peter St., 5800 Yonge St., Exhibition Place Better Living Centre at 195 Prince’s Blvd. and at the Scarborough Civic Centre at 150 Borough Dr.