SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Lackawanna County and Scranton are now extending the current Code Blue Alert through Tuesday morning, December 16.
FOX56 Chief Meteorologist Brian Schroeder says temperatures are expected to drop to or below 20 degrees into next week. You can see his entire forecast here.
Earlier, we reported:
UPDATE: This Code Blue is extended through Sunday morning, Dec. 14.
With a stretch of frigid weather expected to grip the region this week, Lackawanna County Emergency Management and the City of Scranton have issued a multi-day Code Blue Alert to protect residents from dangerous cold.
The alert goes into effect each night from Monday through early Saturday morning, with wind chills forecast to fall into the single digits and teens. Officials say the Code Blue periods will run nightly from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., beginning Monday, Dec. 8, and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 13.
Wind chills are expected to be particularly harsh at the start and end of the week, dropping as low as 6 degrees Monday night and near 9 degrees by Friday night. Some nights may also bring mixed precipitation, increasing the risk of hazardous conditions for those outside.
A Code Blue is activated when temperatures are projected to dip below 20 degrees, prompting additional outreach to vulnerable residents, including people experiencing homelessness.
Several emergency shelter options will be available:
St. Anthony’s Haven, 409 Olive St., Scranton — open from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Weston Field House, 982 Providence Road, Scranton — opens nightly at 7:30 p.m.
Community Intervention Center (CIC), 445 North 6th Ave., Scranton — open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours if conditions require.
County officials encourage anyone in need of warmth or shelter to use these services and remind community members to check on neighbors who may be at risk during the cold snap.