Extreme Weather Response Shelters Open
“A cool and unstable airmass over the South Coast will bring freezing levels to near sea level before Tuesday morning,” stated Environment and Climate Change Canada. This warning comes as Delta prepares to open extreme weather response shelters on March 9 and 10 due to frigid temperatures expected to feel at or below 0°C.
The women’s only shelter at Crossroads United Church will be operational from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., providing 10 inclusive spaces for self-identified women aged 19 and over. Meanwhile, the South Delta EWR shelter at Ladner United Church will welcome guests from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., accommodating up to nine guests aged 19 and over, including couples.
On March 8, the Homelessness Services Association of BC issued an extreme weather response alert for Delta, highlighting the urgent need for these shelters as temperatures drop. The shelters aim to provide a safe haven for those in need during this cold snap.
In addition to the frigid temperatures, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for potential snow on March 10 and 11. “Due to the convective nature of the precipitation, snowfall accumulations will be highly variable across the region,” the agency noted.
Current forecast guidance indicates the potential for 2 to 5 cm of snow, although the exact amounts may differ significantly from one area to another. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions as the situation develops.
As the community braces for the cold and potential snowfall, local organizations like Options Community Services and BC Housing are working to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to necessary resources and shelter.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific impacts of the expected snowfall, but the community is encouraged to prepare for changing weather conditions. The opening of these shelters is a crucial step in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the extreme weather.
