Quick Take:
The county is falling under a cold weather advisory, which means that temperatures could drop as low as 34 degrees. Forecasters predict a low of 42 degrees in the city of Santa Cruz Thursday night.
Very cold temperatures are expected to hit Santa Cruz County from 1 to 9 a.m. Friday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning and a cold weather advisory for much of the Central Coast. The county is falling under a cold weather advisory, which means that temperatures could drop as low as 34 degrees. Forecasters predict a low of 42 degrees in the city of Santa Cruz Thursday night.
The county is opening three temporary severe weather shelters on Thursday and February nights to provide overnight refuge for unhoused people. The shelter locations will be open at night only:
Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Vets Hall, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz
Community Health Trust, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville
Lineup for services will begin at 7:30 pm. Space is limited, and beds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to individuals with disabilities and those facing significant health or safety risks, according to a press release.
The National Weather Service warned that extreme cold conditions are hazardous to sensitive populations, including unhoused individuals, and prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia in people, pets and livestock.
The Santa Cruz Mountains saw a sprinkle of light snowfall Wednesday at the backend of a thunderstorm that left more than 6,000 without power Tuesday afternoon.
After a smaller chance of rain through this weekend, storms are expected to continue next week.