A mix of strong winds, rain and an overnight low of 4 C, spurred the activation of Victoria’s Extreme Weather Protocol (EWP) Tuesday.

More shelter beds will open as strong westerly winds up to 70 km/h develop over Greater Victoria Tuesday evening. The winds are expected to ease Wednesday morning.

DEC 11 – Victoria EWP has been ACTIVATED. For current shelter information: https://t.co/guS5S6F8TG #yyjewp #yyj

— Victoria EWP (@Victoria_EWP) December 11, 2018

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To increase the number of shelter spaces available during acute winter weather conditions, the EWP was initiated in 2004.

When extreme weather conditions are predicted and year-round shelter beds are full, participating organizations implement the Extreme Weather Response Plan by opening additional space and moving to overflow beds.

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This results in about 100 extra mats in Greater Victoria, expanding shelter capacity from 365 to 465 emergency shelter beds and mats, according to the Victoria EWP website.

To find shelter spaces available, go to vewp.net.

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