Severe cold warning issued in Eastern Canada

As a massive arctic air mass sweeps across the eastern half of Canada today, Environment Canada issued a long list of extreme cold warnings covering six provinces across the two territories.

Government and private agencies are scrambling to provide shelter to those in need as temperatures are expected to range from -40 degrees Celsius to -50 degrees Celsius in many areas.

In Nova Scotia, Environment Canada meteorologist Ian Hubbard said residents in Halifax could face icy gusts that could feel like -43 degrees Celsius.

P.E.I. Residents are also being warned of bitterly cold conditions that could feel as low as -41 degrees Celsius.

Hubbard said colder outbreaks will be rare in northern New Brunswick.

In these conditions, frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially for people who do not have shelter.