Broward County officials have activated a Cold Weather Emergency Advisory ahead of forecasted extremely low temperatures expected from Tuesday, December 30 through Thursday, December 31.
The National Weather Service warns of significantly colder conditions region-wide, prompting the county and community partners to open shelter space for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Shelter placement will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Salvation Army, 1445 W. Broward Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.
Dinner will be available at 4:30 p.m., though it is optional. Beds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. Residents and outreach workers are asked to notify unsheltered individuals in their areas of the availability. If forecasts shift — warmer or colder — shelter nights may be canceled or extended. For more information, call the Homeless Helpline at 954-563-4357.
The advisory in South Florida comes as a powerful winter storm system and Arctic blast deliver unusually cold weather across much of the United States. A rapidly intensifying storm dubbed a bomb cyclone brought widespread snow, ice and gusty winds from the Midwest into the Northeast over the weekend, disrupting travel and prompting emergency declarations in states including New York and New Jersey. Major airports in the region have seen thousands of flight delays and cancellations as blizzard and freezing rain conditions make travel hazardous.
In parts of the Northeast, snow and ice accumulation have led to treacherous road conditions and power outages, while central and northern New England brace for continued wintry weather.
Meteorologists say the cold surge follows a pattern of Arctic air pushing southward, bringing daily temperatures well below seasonal norms in many central and eastern states.
Officials nationwide are urging residents to prepare for the cold and stay updated on local weather alerts as conditions evolve.
