Cold hits, snow forecast; winter storm watch out
The first really cold blast of winter weather has moved into the High Desert, to be followed by at least a few inches of snow over much of the area, prompting a Bend emergency declaration to make sure homeless or those in need are in a warm place overnight.
Redmond and Prineville dropped to 14 degrees and Madras to 19 overnight, while the low at the Bend Airport was 23 degrees. A resident in Sun Forest Estates, 8 miles east of La Pine, reported an 8-degree reading Tuesday morning.
Based on a recommendation from Bend Fire and Rescue, City Manager Eric King has declared an emergency Monday do allow for use of temporary shelters as the bitter early cold snap moves into the region
“Severe weather conditions may result in capacity being reached at local shelters, threatening life and/or property, and creating a need for temporary housing facilities within the city,” the Monday afternoon announcement said.
The declaration is valid when overnight temperatures are expected to be 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below and area shelters have reached capacity. The declaration expires on February 28, 2015.
Bethlehem Inn in Bend, the region’s only family shelter, doesn’t have many beds to offer, but it opened its warming areas Monday night, and the lounge and dining room are open for those without a place to sleep.
The declaration allows some churches to open their doors to those in need of shelter on the frigid evenings. So far, the only one NewsChannel 21 has heard of that plans to be open is Highland Baptist Church in Redmond.
Bend Deputy Fire Chief Larry Medina said as of now, only Bethlehem Inn has asked for additional space. In the past, The Shepherd’s House and Nativity Lutheran Church have also requested additional space or to operate a shelter.The three organizations have been able to meet the need from past years.
If any other community groups are interested in opening a shelter in Bend, they can call the Bend Fire Department. The non-emergency dispatch number, 541-693-6911 is the best number on weekends and holidays.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon across the region. Forecasters predict 3-6 inches of snow over Central Oregon and a bit more to the north (4-6) and the Cascades’ eastern slopes (5-9 inches).
Unlike other areas like Portland dealing with strong winds and the snow hidding areas of the country, Veterans Day observances across the High Desert Tuesday took place under blue skies, but with cold temperatures barely reaching freezing. NewsChannel 21 Chief Meteorologist Bob Shaw had warned those taking part in or going out to watch the parades to bundle up.
Tuesday night lows are expected to be in the single digits to low teens, and with some northerly winds, wind-chill readings in some areas will approach zero, Shaw said.
Clouds will increase Wednesday and moisture arrive late in the day, in the form of snow showers.
Stay tuned to KTVZ.COM and NewsChannel 21 for the latest updates on this week’s bout of wintry weather.
