SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Local officials have declared a Code Blue Frigid Weather Alert for several nights as another blast of cold air moves into northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, along with the City of Scranton, announced the alert will take effect beginning Sunday night and continue through early Wednesday morning due to dangerously low wind chills.
The Code Blue will be in place from 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, through 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, when wind chills are expected to dip to around 19 degrees. The alert will resume Monday at 8 p.m. through 7 a.m. Tuesday, with wind chills forecast near 11 degrees. A third overnight alert is scheduled from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday, with wind chills projected to fall to about 13 degrees.
According to forecasts from FOX56.com, a surge of Arctic air will push temperatures well below seasonal averages, bringing single-digit overnight lows and brisk winds that will make it feel even colder.
A Code Blue is declared when temperatures are expected to fall below 20 degrees. The designation activates emergency plans aimed at protecting vulnerable residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
Emergency shelter is available at the following locations:
St. Anthony’s Haven, 409 Olive St., Scranton, open from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.Weston Field House, 982 Providence Road, Scranton, opening at 7:30 p.m.Community Intervention Center (CIC), 445 N. 6th Ave., Scranton, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours if necessary.
Officials urge residents to take precautions during the extreme cold, including limiting time outdoors, dressing in layers, and checking on elderly neighbors and those without adequate heat.
The next update from county officials is expected Thursday, Feb. 23.