SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE (WOLF) — Local officials in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre have declared Code Blue alerts as dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills move through the region this week, activating emergency shelters for residents in need.

In Lackawanna County, the Emergency Management Agency and the City of Scranton announced multiple overnight Code Blue periods due to expected wind chills dipping below 20 degrees.

An alert was already in effect from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, through 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, when wind chills were forecast to reach 13 degrees.

Additional alerts have been issued from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, through 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, with wind chills expected near 18 degrees and a chance of mixed precipitation. Another Code Blue will run from 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, through 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, as wind chills are projected to hover around 20 degrees, again with the possibility of wintry mix.

A Code Blue is declared when temperatures or wind chills are forecast to fall below 20 degrees, triggering a coordinated response to protect vulnerable residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness.

During Code Blue in Scranton, overnight shelter is available at:

St. Anthony’s Haven, 409 Olive St., open from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.Weston Field House, 982 Providence Road, opening at 7:30 p.m.Community Intervention Center (CIC), 445 North 6th Ave., open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours if needed.

Officials said the next update on local conditions is expected Thursday, Feb. 26.

Meanwhile, in Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown announced a Code Blue for Monday, Feb. 23, from 7 p.m. through 7 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Calvary Bible Church, located at 410 South River Street, is serving as the city’s designated Code Blue shelter. Standard shelter hours during a Code Blue are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., except on Wednesdays when hours shift to 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Wilkes-Barre officials issue a Code Blue when the National Weather Service predicts wind chills of 20 degrees or lower, or when snowfall of 10 inches or more is expected. To signal the alert to the public, stage lights in Public Square are illuminated in blue.

City officials are also seeking volunteers to assist at the shelter. Those interested can contact Pastor Sam Garnett at 570-824-5868 or by email.

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, limit time outdoors during extreme cold, and seek shelter if needed as temperatures remain dangerously low.