Multnomah and Washington counties are opening severe weather shelters ahead of frigid temperatures this weekend.
Sunday’s temperatures in the Portland area are expected to hit 38 degrees with low winds of about 15 miles per hour, as well as a low of 23 degrees that night. Temperatures are expected to warm slightly on Monday and Tuesday, with highs just over 40 degrees and nighttime lows around 30 degrees.
Multnomah County opened four severe weather shelters Saturday night, then added a fifth shelter on Sunday. More information about times, locations, and transportation resources can be found at multco.us/care-when-its-cold.
On Sunday afternoon, Washington County had two winter shelters open — one in Beaverton and another in Hillsboro — which offered hot meals and places for pets. Anyone needing transportation can call 503-846-4722.
Clackamas County had three available shelters in Oregon City, Molalla and Canby. On Sunday, the county announced that the Oregon City and Molalla shelters would remain open until Monday morning, and the Canby shelter would remain open until Tuesday.
Multnomah and Washington counties use similar thresholds when deciding whether to open severe weather shelters: temperatures dropping to 25 degrees or below; at least 1 inch of snow for a full day; or temperatures at or below 32 degrees accompanied by at least 1 inch of rain and winds exceeding 10 miles per hour.
Clackamas County opens emergency shelters when temperatures drop below 33 degrees.