(WWJ) - Time for preparations is beginning to run out for Metro Detroiters ahead of an expansive snowstorm expected to hit the area Thursday night, but local officials are ensuring warming centers are operational for residents.
Centers in Oakland and Wayne County are opening for those who find themselves in need during the storm's "really dangerous" conditions. A Winter Storm Warning was issued Wednesday for the entire Lower Peninsula beginning 10 p.m. Thursday until 10 p.m. Saturday.
The National Weather Service said blizzard conditions are possible with potential wind gusts in excess of 50 mph. Snowfall totals are expected in excess of 6 inches for some areas. Wind chill values are expected to drop some 5 to 15 degrees below zero at times in Southeast Michigan, which can be dangerous if long-lasting power outages occur.
In anticipation f the storm, the City of Farmington Hills is opening the Costick Center located on 28600 W. 11 Mile from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday.
Officials said those utilizing the Costick Center during the designated time do not have to be Farmington Hills residents.
The Costick Center will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Saturday through Monday.
For more information, call 248-473-1800 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Individuals, families and youth seeking shelter or warming center placements can call (313) 305-0311 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays for assistance.
In Detroit, three warming centers are open through March 31. All the shelters are supervised to ensure the safety and security of individuals. They are also provided with hot meals, showering and sleeping accommodations, the city said.
Residents can find assistance at the following locations:
• Cass Community Social Services, 11850 Woodrow Wilson St., Detroit. Call (313) 883-2277. Facility open for families and single women.
• Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Mack Warming Center, 11037 Mack Ave., Detroit: Call (313) 331-8990. Facility open for families and single women.
• Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Third Street Warming Center, 3535 Third Ave., Detroit: Call (313) 993-6703. Facility open for single men.
The city also has two recreation centers open as overnight shelters.
Two other warming centers will open for the holiday weekend and providing services are Farwell Recreation Center on 2711 E. Outer Drive and Patton Recreation Center on 2301 Woodmere. Both locations pen starting 8 a.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Monday, December 26, at 8 a.m.
Veterans seeking shelter should go to the Dingell VA Hospital, located at 4646 John R St., Red Tower 2nd Floor, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays or 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
For information about shelters and warming centers, call CAM at 313-305-0311. Anyone also can call to speak with staff about shelter options and alternatives to shelters. Go to www.camdetroit.org/cam-access-points for information.
More warming centers may open across Southeast Michigan as the storm begins to impact the area. Updates to the list will be made as they become available.
