January 10, 2024 5:00 AM

Determination of severe weather event

Pursuant to Ordinance No. 3357 codified as LMC 7.30, Severe Weather Shelters, City Manager Kris Swanson has determined that a severe weather event is imminent based on forecasted cold weather conditions effective today, January 10, 2024. Low temperatures in the Longview area are predicted to be below 35 degrees.

Among other things, the determination of a severe weather event enables permitted severe weather shelters to begin operating.

The following shelters have been identified:

Overnight Warming Shelters:

First Christian Church
2000 E. Kessler Blvd., Longview
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
*Volunteers can call Kathleen Patton at (360) 751-5849

Kelso Christian Assembly
300 N. 4th Avenue, Kelso
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.
*Volunteers can call Glen Sensenbach at (360) 843-7376
*The overnight shelters will continue until overnight temperatures rise above 32 degrees.
**Donations are needed and will be accepted at either location; cup of noodles, coffee, hot cocoa, bottled water, snacks, blankets, gloves and hand-warmers

Daytime Warming Centers for Monday, January 15 and Tuesday, January 16:

McClelland Arts Center
951 Delaware Street, Longview
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Chai Recovery Cafe
111 N. Pacific Avenue, Kelso
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army will be providing meals to individuals at the daytime warming centers at both the McClelland Arts Center and Chai Recovery Cafe.

River Cities Transit will be providing free fares on Monday and Tuesday for individuals to stay warm. Please note that they will be operating on a reduced schedule on Monday due to the holiday. Routes can be found on their web site: https://rctransit.org/#routes

We will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.

The City of Longview declared a severe weather event effective January 10, allowing permitted weather shelters in Longview to begin operating overnight. There is no fee for a temporary use permit for a severe weather shelter, and a permit may be valid for a period of 365 days. Religious organizations are not required to be permitted, nor are daytime warming shelters.

For more information on permitted severe weather shelters, please contact the Community Development Department at 360.442.5087.