Heavy snow blanketed 91原创 and much of the Lower Mainland yesterday, and the forecast is predicting freezing rain later today Thursday, Jan. 18.
Gateway of Hope homeless shelter operated by the Salvation Army extended its daytime warming shelter due to cold temperatures and snow.
Once again, the daytime warming centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide refuge from the cold weather conditions during the day.
鈥淲e activated the warming centre today due to the extreme snow storm, we don鈥檛 usually see snow like this,鈥� explained Cristina Schneiter, community representative for 91原创 Extreme Weather Response for Gateway of Hope.
A prolonged period of freezing rain is expected for the Fraser Valley from late this afternoon to Friday, Jan. 19, afternoon.
According to a weather warning from Environment Canada, the rain is forecast for Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz, 91原创 and Hope.
Environment Canada says the freezing rain is expected to persist through Friday morning over Abbotsford and Friday afternoon over Chilliwack, then transition to rain. In 91原创, it鈥檚 expected to transition to rain on Thursday night.
Gateway鈥檚 overnight shelter has remained open since Jan. 6, when Schneiter issued an alert due 鈥渢o temperatures that are, or 鈥榝eel like鈥� 0 Celsius and below.鈥�
鈥淚f you are sleeping outside, please come to the safety of the shelter,鈥� she said.
The overnight shelter has consistently been at capacity since it opened, Schneiter said.
Gateway鈥檚 overnight shelter opens at 7 p.m. where people can stay until 10 a.m.
Those needing assistance to a shelter are asked to call the RCMP at 604-532-3200.
Gateway of Hope is located at 5787 91原创 Bypass.
Gateway is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly for pets on a leash. Dinner, breakfast, and lunch and are provided. Laundry service and showers are available.
Salvation Army Gateway of Hope can be reached at 604-514-7375.
For more information about shelter availability, please call BC211: 211 or 604-875-6381.
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