San Mateo County will open more temporary shelter for homeless people and families when severe weather is forecast, starting Sunday — perhaps just in time for a new round of rain and wind, forecasters say.

Cots will be provided in a large space divided by curtains under the Inclement Weather Program through April 15, the county said Thursday.

People referred through the county’s Coordinated Entry System will have access to meals, showers, restrooms, washers and dryers. If bad weather lasts more than one day, guests may remain for that time at the shelter.

Forecasters said Saturday they expect a cold front to move across the North Bay between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, the Bay Area and Santa Cruz mountains between noon and 8 p.m., and the Central Coast between 4 p.m. and midnight Monday.

Rain totals will range from half an inch to an inch across most of the Bay Area, the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph will be possible, with up to 45 mph along the coast. Yet another system comes into the region Tuesday afternoon or evening.

“The Inclement Weather Program is an important part of the county’s winter response for people experiencing homelessness,” Claire Cunningham, director of the Human Services Agency, said in a press release. “When weather conditions create added health and safety risks, this program provides a safe place to stay and connects people with basic services.”

Storm forecast and shelter services

Activation of the program will depend on multiple factors, including expected temperatures, rain, wind, the timing and duration of the weather system and local conditions, the county said.

During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the county triggered the Inclement Weather Program five times for a total of 30 nights. Across those five occasions, 190 people were served.

The San Mateo County Event Center will serve as the primary shelter with 53 cots available for adults and families of all ages.

The Event Center will have separate areas for families and individuals. Pets and companion animals may be accommodated on a limited basis.

“As an emergency management site, we are fully committed to providing a safe, supportive environment during inclement weather, and we are honored to open our doors in this capacity,” said Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Event Center.

Those referred to the program may arrive at 5 p.m. on the day of activation and must leave by 9 a.m. on the day the program is deactivated.