Gusts up to 50 mph forecast; OHRA opens shelter amid hazardous conditions
Ashland.news staff report
The National Weather Service is warning of high winds in and around Ashland from 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24.
The city’s severe-weather winter shelter at 2200 Ashland St. opened Monday, Dec. 22. The shelter will open at night through Friday, Dec. 26. Doors open each day at 5 p.m. with lights out by 10 p.m., according to a news release from Opportunities for Housing, Resources & Assistance (OHRA), the organization that manages the shelter.
OHRA announced on its website that, due to forecast temperatures, an additional shelter would open Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 5 p.m. at 2350 Ashland St. According to the OHRA webpage, there is limited space.
With winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph expected, weather service officials said that drivers face hazardous conditions, especially “high-profile” vehicles. Officials said the gusty winds could cause power outages and property damage from loose debris and unsecured objects.
Forecasters note the wind hazards could continue into Christmas Day.
For more information about the shelters, call 541-631-2235.
Email Ashland.news associate editor Steve Mitchell at stevem@ashland.news.
7:15 p.m. Dec. 23: Updated warning wind speed forecast to 30-40 mph, down from 35-45, in line with 7 p.m. Tuesday update from the National Weather Service.
