SCRANTON, LACKWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Emergency officials in Lackawanna County and the City of Scranton have extended Code Blue Frigid Weather Alerts for every night this week as dangerously cold conditions persist across the region.
The alerts are issued when temperatures or wind chills are expected to fall below 20 degrees, activating additional resources for residents most vulnerable to extreme cold, including people experiencing homelessness.
Officials say Code Blue is already in effect from 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, through 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, and again from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, through 7 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, with wind chills reaching as low as negative 8 degrees.
Additional alerts have now been declared for:
Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with wind chills near minus 9 degreesThursday night into Friday morning, when wind chills could drop to minus 21 degreesFriday night into Saturday morning, with wind chills around minus 8 degreesSaturday night into Sunday morning, with wind chills near minus 7 degreesSunday night into Monday morning, with wind chills expected around 5 degrees
During Code Blue periods, emergency shelter space is available throughout Scranton. St. Anthony’s Haven on Olive Street will be open nightly from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. The Weston Field House on Providence Road opens at 7:30 p.m., while the Community Intervention Center on North 6th Avenue is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours available if needed.
Officials urge residents to check on neighbors, limit exposure to the cold, and help connect anyone in need with available shelter and services.
The next update from emergency management officials is expected Thursday, January 29.