Chilly temperatures to linger around Sonoma County

A cold snap that hit the North Bay this week is expected to last through Sunday, with lows that could drop below freezing by Thursday night.

Temperatures overnight ranked among the lowest so far this year, at 34 degrees, said Diana Henderson, a forecaster with the National Weather Service.

“It’s pretty darn chilly this morning, and it’s going to remain on the chilly side for the better part of this week,” Henderson said.

Sonoma County could also see some sprinkles Wednesday. There is a 20 percent chance of rain.

The cold weather has triggered the county’s emergency cold weather response plan, prompting extra efforts to protect hundreds of homeless people from the lingering frigid temperatures.

Homeless advocates and service providers have enacted a “code blue,” which expands homeless shelter beds throughout the county and warming stations at key locations to help keep people sleeping outside warm and dry.

For a list of warming stations and shelter options or to request warm clothes and blankets, call 211. Catholic Charities, which spearheads the county’s cold weather response plan, is also seeking donations. Call 707-800-2372 to donate supplies or request help.

People in need can also visit Santa Rosa’s Homeless Service Center at 600 Morgan Street, where warming stations and a donation center is set up.

Warmer temperatures are expected early next week, and there is a 40 to 50 percent chance of rain on Monday and Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a wintry storm hit other parts of the Bay Area and dropped up to a foot of snow in some areas of the Sierra Nevada, raising hopes of a white Thanksgiving in the mountains.

As much as a foot of snow covered the upper elevations around Lake Tahoe, with 8 inches at lake level, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts were possible up to 100 mph over mountain ridge tops.

The CHP responded to multiple accidents Wednesday in the Tahoe area. Officials are warning holiday travelers to beware of icy road conditions and drive safely.

The Associated Press Contributed to this report. You can reach Staff Writer Angela Hart at 526-8503 or angela.hart@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ahartreports.