Temperatures in the Portland area are forecasted to drop several degrees below freezing in the coming days. Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared states of emergency ahead of the cold weather. The declarations will remain in effect from Tuesday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 24.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures could drop into the teens by Wednesday morning. Wind chills are expected to push temperatures even lower with gusts between 20-30 mph. Freezing overnight temperatures could last through Saturday morning.
Officials with the Joint Office of Homeless Services said five warming shelters will open in Portland starting at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22. The shelters will remain open until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, or as long as cold weather threshold are met. Officials said no one will be turned away from the shelters and pets are allowed at the facilities. All the shelters are accessible to those with disabilities.
People can dial 2-1-1 to request transportation to a warming shelter or ask for other information. Trimet will not turn away anyone traveling to and from warming shelters who cannot afford to pay fare between 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 22 through 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23. People are asked to let the trimet operator know they are traveling to or from a shelter.
Updates about warming shelter hours and cold weather conditions are also available at Multnomah County's website.
The shelters will open in Portland at the following locations:
• Salvation Army at 5325 N. Williams Ave.
• Sunrise Center at 18901 E. Burnside St.
• Mt. Scott Community Center at 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.
• East Portland Community Center at 740 S.E. 106th Ave.
• Market Street at 120 S.E. Market St.