Coast areas, parts of the Peace and Kootenay regions are all under weather alerts, as cold arctic air settles on parts of B.C. Feb. 3.

An arctic outflow warning is in effect for the central coast from now until Tuesday, Feb. 4, continuing to Feb 5 for inland areas.

Temperatures and low wind chill values may drop to between -20 and -25 C along the central coast and inland coastal areas. While some moderation will take place by Tuesday, the wind chill could stay in the -20 C range until Wednesday or later for the inland regions.

Outflow winds through the mainland inlets are expected to gust 90 to 120 km per hour northeasterly and there is a potential for fallen trees and power outages, warns Environment Canada.

The Peace region, including Fort St. John and Dawson Creek are under an extreme cold warning, with wind chill expected to dip as low as -40 C. 

From overnight Feb. 3 to Tuesday, Feb. 4 morning, people in the area are advised to prepare by covering up and warned to keep pets inside. 

"Very strong outflow winds and severely cold wind chill values are expected or occurring," states the warning on Environment Canada's website.

"Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors," states the warning. "Any skin exposure is likely to result in frostbite."

Those in these areas effected by the arctic outflow or extreme temperatures are advised to minimize exposed skin to help prevent frostbite and hypothermia and animal owners are advised to provide adequate shelter for outdoor animals. Coastal area residents are advised to anchor objects or store movable objects securely.