Meteorologists have declared the upcoming winter weather storm pattern “the coldest in three years.”
According to AccuWeather.com, the current arctic blast is making its way across eastern and central Canada and will be into Oklahoma by late Saturday, where temperatures will go from freezing to single and negative digits. Local forecasts are predicting more than 3 inches of snow on Saturday and into Sunday, which has a high of just 13 degrees expected.
As part of a preparation effort for the storm, Shoulder 2 Shoulder Ministries is opening an emergency shelter in the Elks Lodge at 24 S Poplar Street. They previously opened a shelter in that location in 2021 when a similar storm system left some families with little to no resources for heat and shelter.
Levi Bradley, director of Should 2 Shoulder Ministries, said the shelter is sometimes the best option for some who have nowhere else to turn.
“For many of these people, it’s the best place they can be. They’re warm. They’re not hungry. They’re sober. We’re helping them with what happens after this is gone. We’re fixing their cars, helping them find jobs. Helping them transition from this to the next thing. Most of these people can’t think beyond their biggest need right now,” Bradley says. “You help meet that, and you can help them move forward.”
The project is looking for donations and volunteers. If you’re interested in helping, please call or text 918-861-6120 to contribute.
