This photograph was taken by ACCESS staff last summer during an open house at the warming shelter in Medford, at 332 W. Sixth St. The facility, which can house 62 people, has yet to open this cold season.

Medford City Manager Rob Field has issued a severe weather event declaration for Sunday, Dec. 15, allowing the use of approved severe event shelter facilities to provide overnight lodging.

The Medford Severe Weather shelter, 332 W. Sixth Street, will be open from 5:30 p.m. Saturday until 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

The shelter, staffed by volunteers coordinated by ACCESS, houses up to 64 adults and is low-barrier, which means no restrictions on religious affiliation, and no drug testing is required to enter. Services include food, bedding and dry storage capabilities.

A severe weather declaration is made when the temperature is expected to be below 25 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees F with additional factors such as precipitation or wind.

The National Weather Service forecasts an overnight low of 33 degrees with rain likely.

The city is closely monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates to the declaration status as necessary, according to a news release issued Tuesday. Text MED4SHELTERS to 888777 to receive the latest on severe weather event shelters in Medford.

Additionally, the city will postpone the removal of tents that are unlawful under the prohibited camping ordinance until the end of this severe weather event declaration, the release said. All fires remain prohibited throughout the city, officials said.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the shelter is asked to send an email to volunteer@accesshelps.org for more information.