As Lambton prepares for freezing rain, Lambton Public Health has issued a cold alert.

Environment Canada has a freezing rain warning in effect for the county with snow and ice beginning to fall this afternoon. Officials say there will be a prolonged period of freezing rain leading to significant ice build up in some areas of up to 20 millimeters. The winds will be from the north up to 60 km/h

Light snow will become heavy at times and mix with ice pellets early this afternoon. Snow and ice pellets will change over to freezing rain late this afternoon. Freezing rain will continue tonight before tapering off early Thursday morning to patchy freezing drizzle

Environment Canada says extensive utility outages and tree damage are likely due to the combination of ice accretion and moderate winds.

Meantime, Lambton’s medical officer of health has issued a cold weather alert until Friday.

Public Health says local agencies that provide shelter and help to people experiencing homelessness to prepare from an increased demand.

And it advises people to dress in layers, since overexposure to cold can be hazardous and even life threatening.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please contact Lambton County Social Services at 519-344-2062, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For assistance outside of these hours, please contact the Good Shepherd’s Lodge at 519-344-1679.