photo by: Screenshot

The expected snowfall and ice accumulation for Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5, 2025 from the National Weather Service in Topeka.

Ahead of the winter storm that is expected to drop snow, sleet, ice and extended freezing temperatures over the area, the city of Lawrence is encouraging residents to access emergency shelter options early.

The city shared its severe weather plan that lists Lawrence Community Shelter as the primary shelter, while four warming centers will also be open throughout the weather event.

LCS, located at 3655 East 25th Street, will be open 24/7 during the emergency weather event, and serve as the main access point for emergency shelter and resources. The city has partnered with four local churches that can serve as overflow shelters as part of its Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Plan. Overflow shelters will be opened as needed, with transportation provided from LCS as long as conditions allow. Each location can serve up to 25 people once the LCS is full, as the Journal-World reported.

Lawrence/Douglas County Cold Weather Response announced Friday it is seeking volunteers to help welcome individuals to those overflow shelters. Volunteer responsibilities include greeting guests, providing comfort and support, monitoring the space to maintain a clean and welcoming environment, distributing blankets, food and other essential items as needed, and staying alert to assist with any emergencies or needs that arise. More information about volunteering can be found here.

Along with those shelters, four department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture buildings will be available for safe warming during regular business hours. Those include: the Lawrence Community Building at 115 West 11th Street, the East Lawrence Recreation Center at 1245 East 15th Street, the Holcom Park Recreation Center at 2700 West 27th Street and the Sports Pavilion Lawrence at 100 Rock Chalk Lane.

The Lawrence Community Building, East Lawrence Recreation Center and Holcom Park Recreation Center will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday. The Sports Pavilion Lawrence will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday.

While warming centers provide a safe space from the cold, no specific services are offered at these locations. Residents in need of emergency shelter or services should go to LCS.

The city recommends seeking shelter sooner rather than later since conditions are expected to worsen by Sunday afternoon, making travel conditions more difficult.

Douglas County can expect anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow over the weekend, but before the snow even starts, about 0.1 to 0.25 inches of ice will accumulate from freezing rain, with southern Douglas County experiencing closer to half an inch of ice, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.

As the storm moves in, the forecast on Saturday includes a high of 28 degrees, with mostly cloudy skies and a chance of a wintry mix, meaning potential freezing rain and sleet. In the evening, temperatures will drop to 18 degrees, accompanied by a wintry mix. On Sunday, the high will reach 23 degrees, with the wintry mix turning into snow. The evening will see a low of 2 degrees, with a slight chance of snow later that night.

For immediate assistance or to report someone in need of shelter, call the city’s Emergency Helpline at (785) 813-9483 or email at wintershelter@lawrenceks.org.