OHIO — Several cities across northeast Ohio are opening warming centers this week to help residents stay safe as bitterly cold temperatures and snow move into the region.
Forecasts indicate snow is expected to develop Wednesday morning, with temperatures dropping into the single digits by Thursday. Local officials say the warming centers are intended to provide a safe, heated space for individuals who may be vulnerable during the extreme cold.
In Akron, a warming center will be available at 111 East Voris Street. The site will be open nightly from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., beginning Jan. 14 and continuing through Jan. 18.
In Cleveland, four recreation centers will operate as warming centers from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from Jan. 14 through Jan. 20. The locations include the Michael Zone Recreation Center on Lorain Avenue, the EJ Kovacic Recreation Center on St. Clair Avenue, the Zelma George Recreation Center on Martin Luther King Boulevard, and the Collinwood Recreation Center on Lakeshore Boulevard.
City officials said that if visitors require overnight shelter, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority passes may be provided to help individuals travel to nearby facilities that offer overnight accommodations.
Residents are encouraged to check local resources and transportation options and to look out for neighbors as the region experiences prolonged cold and winter weather.
