Emergency shelter set up amid forecasted high winds and frost

Emergency measures have been put in place in Exeter this week to provide shelter for rough sleepers as overnight temperatures are set to drop below freezing.

Exeter City Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) from Wednesday, 5 February, until Monday, 10 February, in response to sub-zero conditions forecast for the city. The Council will review the protocol on Monday should temperatures remain low.

SWEP provides extra emergency accommodation to help protect rough sleepers from the dangers of freezing temperatures. The Council, in collaboration with local homelessness support agencies, is ensuring that those identified as sleeping rough are contacted and offered a safe place to stay where spaces are available.

Councillor Marina Asvachin, Lead Councillor for Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Customer Services, stressed the urgency of the situation: “Overnight temperatures are set to be bitter over the coming nights, and we know that every night someone sleeps rough on the streets, they are at serious risk. That risk increases when temperatures fall below freezing.”

A high-pressure system is set to bring colder conditions to the South West towards the weekend, with temperatures expected to drop below average. While the start of the week will bring mixed conditions, including spells of rain and wind, clearer skies later in the week could lead to frosty nights.

Frank Saunders, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: “It’s worth being aware that despite a largely pleasant week ahead, there’s a good chance the UK will experience a dip in temperatures at the weekend and into next week. High-pressure is set to move in, bringing along with it easterly winds, low temperatures and an increasing risk of wintry hazards like snow and ice.”

Areas of high pressure generally bring settled and dry conditions, but they can also lead to cold nights, frost, and fog. With the high-pressure centre expected to lie over Scandinavia, easterly winds could bring cold air from the continent into the UK.

The Council is urging residents to report anyone they believe to be sleeping rough via StreetLink.

This service allows concerned individuals to alert local outreach teams who can then provide assistance. StreetLink is also a useful resource for rough sleepers seeking help or information about support services available in Exeter.

The Council works closely with local organisations to make extra accommodation available during particularly cold or extreme weather, ensuring that those in need have access to a warm and safe space.

For further updates on SWEP and Exeter's homelessness support services, visit the City Council’s official website.