The plunging temperatures and news of a “polar vortex” engulfing the region have prompted Gov. Ned Lamont to activate a Severe Cold Weather Protocol – the second activation this winter. For the next several days, the city has opened its own warming shelter for anyone who needs to get out of the cold, seven days a week, all winter long.
Current forecast call for frigid conditions throughout the northern tier of the nation over the next several days. Lamont has directed to have the protocol in effect at least until today. High temperatures are not supposed to reach above the mid-20s with overnight lows in the teens or single digits.
Add to that gale warnings posted along the coast with winds averaging 10-15 miles per hour, with gusts above 40 at least through today.
Anyone in need of shelter is urged t call 211 to get connected to necessary services, or visit 211ct.org to view locations. Transportation is available.
The weather forecast indicates Connecticut will experience a period of particularly frigid conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 6 p.m. tonight and remaining in effect through noon on Thursday.
High temperatures during this period are forecast to be in the mid to upper twenties, and overnight lows are expected to be in the single digits and teens. Winds are expected to be out of the northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts potentially reaching 40 miles per hour. Temperatures are expected to moderate over the next few days.
Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
The city’s warming center is the former medical building at 689 Campbell Ave. and is open to all residents nightly through April. Those with children will have separate spaces.
Those needing the service are asked to arrive between 7-11 p.m. any night. The doors of the facility will be locked at 11, and members will be asked not to leave until morning, when the doors open at 7 a.m. The city’s main library will be open for those needing a place for the day.
The facilities offer coffee and snacks as well as security and outreach workers to help those needing services.
The center is funded through an American Rescue Plan housing crisis grant, according to city officials, and the same funding source is used to procure bus passes for those who may need them.
The city’s two libraries are serving as warming centers during regular business hours.:
The Main Library, 300 Elm St. is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ora Mason Branch, 260 Benham Hill Road, is open Monday noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.