Warming Centers Opening With Blizzard Warnings, Cold

Communities are bracing for a sharp drop in temperature as blizzard alerts have been issued. Morgantown is set to open its 24-hour warming shelter at the Nitro Suites on West Run Road beginning Dec. 15. The site can take in up to 30 people and will be staffed around the clock.

Other cities across West Virginia are rolling out similar plans with emergency warming sites already gearing up as temperatures drop.

A blizzard warning has been issued for many of the counties in central and northern West Virginia, with heavy snow, high winds and wind-chills expected from Wednesday into Thursday. 

With the sharp drop in temperatures, the risk of hypothermia increases, especially for anyone spending long periods outdoors. Even brief exposure can become dangerous when wind chills drop below zero.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to local community organizations to locate warming centers in their area.

Local shelters, nonprofit groups and city offices can provide updated information on available warming sites and emergency services.