Declaring a Code Blue, Ulster County has temporarily activated its warming centers on a 24-hour-open schedule due to dangerously cold weather this weekend.
An Arctic blast is expected to hit New York this weekend, causing gusty winds, chills below the actual low temperatures and some snow.
The Middletown area is forecast to experience low temperatures around 9 degrees, with likely snow beginning Friday night, Feb. 6, according to the National Weather Service.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, there is a 20% chance of snow before noon, followed by winds gusting as high as 39 mph. At night, a blustery freeze of -2 degrees is expected.
The county urges residents to limit outdoor activity, keep pets indoors, safeguard heating equipment to prevent frostbite, hypothermia and damage to pipes and other infrastructure.
See below for warming centers open in Ulster and Orange counties, some of which serve dinner and breakfast.
Where are the warming centers in Ulster County?
The Ellenville warming center was activated on a 24-hour schedule on Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. until Feb. 9, Monday, 9 a.m.
Address: Hunt Memorial Building at 124 Canal St. in Ellenville.
The Kingston warming center stays open on its usual 24-hour schedule until March 31.
Address: 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church at 80 Elmendorf St. in Kingston.
Where to call for help?
According to a notice by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger’s office, law enforcement and partners may transport affected people to a warming center.
The Kingston center is reachable at (845) 334 0551.
The Family of Woodstock Hotline number is (845) 338 2370.
Where are the warming centers in Orange County?
The Marilyn Pierce Warming Station in Middletown — open seasonally until April 3 with check-in hours of 9-9:30 p.m. — serves adults 18 years and older.
Address: 8-10 Mulberry St. in Middletown.
Contact: 845-281-9519 and other information and details are available at middletownwarmingstation.com.
The Newburgh Warming Station is open all year for adults. The doors close from 9:30 p.m.– 6:00 a.m., but entry is possible if escorted by police or discharged from a hospital.
Address: Newburgh Ministry (Hope Safe Haven) at 13 Bridge St. in Newburgh.
Contact: 845-563-0713 – Call ahead. 845-784-4462 – Luis Gonzalez, case aide.
The Port Jervis Warming Station is listed as open from 8-10 p.m. with late entry possible through police escort.
Address: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 31 West Main St. in Port Jervis.
Contact: Daytime- 845-649-8720; Evening, 7-11 p.m.: 845-856-1033.
Other centers and law enforcement information in Orange County are available at orangecountygov.com.
Contact reporter Vandana Saras at vsaras@usatodayco.com and @orangecountynyreporter on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Ulster, Orange County warming centers open during Code Blue Arctic freeze
Reporting by Vandana Saras, Middletown Times Herald- Record / Times Herald-Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
