Palm Beach County officials are opening overnight cold weather shelters as a cold weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Miami takes effect across the region.
The advisory, which primarily impacts western Palm Beach County, warns that very cold temperatures combined with wind and possible precipitation could lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Forecasts indicate temperatures across the county will fall into the low 40s, with wind chill values expected to drop into the low to mid-30s.
As a result, several cold weather shelters will open Thursday, February 5, beginning at 7 p.m., and will remain open until 9 a.m. on Friday, February 6.
The following locations will operate as overnight shelters:
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Belle Glade Transitional Shelter and Lake Village at the Glades, 341 NW 11th Street, Belle Glade
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Westgate Park and Recreation Center, 3691 Oswego Ave., West Palm Beach
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Salvation Army Center of Hope, 1577 N. Military Trail #1, West Palm Beach
Palm Tran will provide transportation to the shelters, with bus pickups scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. along established routes.
According to Palm Beach County’s Cold Weather Shelter Program, shelters may be activated when nighttime temperatures are forecast to fall to 40°F or below, or to 45°F with precipitation, or when wind chill values are expected to reach 35°F or lower for four consecutive hours or more.
There is no cost to stay at the shelters. However, pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals. Alcohol, illegal drugs and weapons are also prohibited, and guests must follow shelter rules and depart promptly when the shelters close.
