ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Here’s what you need to know as temperatures are expected to drop on Thursday and Friday across South Florida and theTreasure Coast.

The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures across the Treasure Coast will fall below 40 degrees for at least four consecutive hours overnight Thursday.

In partnership with St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce, In the Image of Christ announced on Tuesday that it will operate an emergency cold weather shelter at Percy Peek Gym, located at 2902 Ave. D. The shelter will open at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, and close at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16.

Free transportation available

Area Regional Transit (ART) will provide free rides to the shelter starting at 6 p.m. and tentatively ending at 8 p.m. Pickup locations include:

Port St. Lucie Intermodal Station, 395 SE Deacon Ave., Port St. LuciePrima Vista Crossing Bus Stop, east of U.S. 1Pinewood Park, 820 Sunrise Blvd., Fort PierceKilmer Branch Library, 101 Melody Lane, Fort PiercePublix Plaza at Taylor Creek, 1851 North U.S. 1, Fort PiercePercy Peek Gym, 2902 Ave. D, Fort Pierce

For more information, contact Pastor Hazel Hoylman with In the Image of Christ at 772-359-9653. The nonprofit partners with St. Lucie County to open emergency shelters when temperatures fall below 40 degrees for extended periods.

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CBS12 News is checking Palm Beach County, Martin County, Okeechobee County, and Indian River County for cold weather shelters opening as temperatures drop. However, as of Tuesday, no other county has announced the openings of cold weather shelters. Stay tuned for updates.

Pet safety reminder

Residents should bring pets indoors during cold nights. St. Lucie County Animal Safety officials remind residents that leaving pets tethered outside unsupervised is illegal, regardless of the temperature.