DETROIT (WWJ) - Two 24-hour warming centers are open and ready for Metro Detroit residents looking to stay warm as temperatures are forecasted to dip into the single digits and below going into the weekend.
WWJ's Mike Campbell reported that the City of Detroit hopes to bring citizens relief from extremely cold weather along with subzero wind chills by opening up the centers, which will be available 24 hours from Wednesday morning, Feb, 1, through Sunday morning, Feb. 5.
Officials said the Farwell Recreation Center at 2711 E. Outer Drive will be open to residents now through 8 a.m. Sunday.
The second warming center at Patton Recreation Center at 2301 Woodmere, will also operate on the same hours.
"In addition, Detroit Public Library branches will remain available as respite centers during operating hours and three warming centers will provide overnight relief," city officials said.
The centers are not only a place to provide protection from cold weather, but they are also places were people can find meals, showers, sleeping accommodations and housing assistance services to residents experiencing homelessness.
Officials said safety and security will be enforced and the warming centers will be supervised at all times.
AccuWeather meteorologists warned a "quick, but intense blast of Arctic air" will move into the Great Lakes region with Friday forecasted as the coldest day of the week.
The dangerous cold is expected to bring Real Feel temperatures from 0° to -20° in the Metro Detroit area.
"People who will be spending any length of time outdoors should be prepared for the extreme cold, which can be dangerous for those with pulmonary conditions," experts warn. "The risk of frostbite on exposed skin will be very high with the event."
AccuWeather
The Arctic outbreak will set off bands of lake-effect snow that will affect the westside of the state.
For Metro Detroit residents seeking shelter, the respite centers can be found at the following Detroit Public Library locations:
• Bowen Branch, 3648 W. Vernor, Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor, Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed. from - 8 p.m.
• Chandler Park Branch, 12800 Harper, Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thurs. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Duffield Branch, 2507 W. Grand Blvd., Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Edison Branch, 18400 Joy Road, Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Elmwood Park Branch, 550 Chene, Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Franklin Branch, 13651 E. McNichols, Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Knapp Branch, 13330 Conant, Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Main Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue Tues. & Wed. from noon - 8 p.m.; Thurs., Fri. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays (from Oct.-May): 1 - 5 p.m.
• Parkman Branch, 1766 Oakman Blvd., Technology, Literacy & Career Center Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Redford Branch, 21200 Grand River Ave., Tues., Thurs. & Sat from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Sherwood Forest Branch, 7117 W. 7 Mile Road, Mon., Wed. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. from noon - 8 p.m.
• Wilder Branch, 7140 E. 7 Mile Road, Mon. & Wed. from noon - 8 p.m.; Tues., Thurs. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
