(The Center Square) – Spokane city officials are advising of available services for warmth and shelter in preparation of sub-zero temperatures and dangerous wind-chill conditions forecast across the region this weekend.
“Anyone without reliable shelter or in need of warmth will be able to access the regional shelter system and City Library locations to be inside out of the cold,” the city announced on its website Wednesday afternoon.
For the Spokane area, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory with a forecast of snow and temperatures rapidly dropping from a high around 30 degrees on Thursday to an overnight low of minus-5 by Friday morning and down to minus-11 going into Saturday morning.
The precipitous drop will be accompanied by winds gusting up to 35 mph and a wind-chill factor in the minus-20s, the weather service said, noting, “The snow will generally taper off Friday followed by an intrusion of bitter arctic air and dangerously cold wind chill values … (that) could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes.”
Temperatures are expected to begin warming slightly by Monday with a high near 15 degrees and an overnight low around 6.
The arctic blast will be a jolt compared to the region’s relatively mild winter conditions to date and the public is urged to be prepared. The American Red Cross offers tips on winter storm safety and contact information for local chapters providing emergency assistance.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown’s administration said the city’s Neighborhood, Housing, and Human Services Division is working with providers for an inventory of bed capacity and availability within the existing shelter system. If more bed space is needed, the city said the Cannon Street Shelter will open as an emergency shelter during nighttime hours.
“The facility is prepared to open if needed and the City is working to secure a potential operator and security services,” according to Wednesday’s announcement.
During daytime, individuals in need of warmth can visit Spokane Public Libraries and have access to wi-fi connectivity, restrooms, and water. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Central Library on West Main Street and branch locations in Shadle Park, Liberty Park, South Hill, Hillyard, and Indian Trail.
Limited seating is also available at the downtown STA Plaza during regular hours of 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday; and 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Salvation Army, which operates the TRAC shelter, has vans which can meet people where they are, day or night, and help them connect to local shelters. Call 509-280-6860 or 509-280-6894 for a ride.
“My administration is working with our network of providers and checking every avenue to ensure that we take every step to protect people as we get this through cold weather. As we do this, I also ask everyone in our community to stay vigilant and take care of their neighbors,” Brown said.
