Extreme Weather Shelters Activated
“A cool and unstable airmass over the South Coast will bring freezing levels to near sea level before Tuesday morning,” said a representative from 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 accommodate up to nine guests aged 19 and over and couples, remaining open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
These measures follow an extreme weather response alert issued by the Homelessness Services Association of BC for Delta on March 8, highlighting the urgent need for shelter as temperatures drop.
In addition to the cold, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding potential snow on March 10 and 11. Current forecasts indicate that snowfall accumulations are expected to be highly variable across the region, with guidance suggesting a potential accumulation of 2 to 5 cm.
“Due to the convective nature of the precipitation, snowfall accumulations will be highly variable across the region,” the agency noted, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the upcoming weather.
As the community braces for these conditions, local organizations such as Options Community Services and BC Housing are working to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to safe shelter during this extreme weather event.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impacts of the snowfall and how it may affect shelter operations. However, the community is urged to stay informed and prepared as the weather develops.
With the combination of low temperatures and the possibility of snow, residents are advised to take precautions and monitor updates from local authorities.