C
older weather moved into the area on Wednesday, bringing plunging temperatures to the valley by late evening.
Thermometers showed a slow but steady drop in mercury throughout the day, and the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston predicted overnight temperatures would dip into the teens.
Thursday’s high is expected to hover around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, before plunging to the teens again in the overnight hours.
The NWS issued a special weather statement for Kanawha and other West Virginia counties on Wednesday, warning of possible snow showers (albeit light) and wind gusts between 25 and 35 miles per hour.
“Those traveling this evening and overnight should be prepared for reduced visibility and slick surfaces, especially across the higher terrain,” meteorologists wrote. “Please allow for extra time to reach your destination.”
Warming center opened
In response to the potential for frigid temperatures, the Kanawha Valley Collective announced the opening of a warming station at the Bream Neighborhood Shop at 319 West Washington Street in Charleston. Officials said they would open the facility beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The center was expected to stay open until 7 a.m. on Thursday morning, then reopen again at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.
During the daytime on Thursday, those in need of a warm place to go are asked to use the Centralized Assessment (CAT) office, located at 1015 Smith Street on Charleston’s East End.
Organizers emphasize that public warming centers are open for everyone who needs them.
“Warming Centers are for anyone who needs a warm place to be,” volunteers wrote in a social media post on the Kanawha Valley Collective’s Facebook page announcing the center’s opening on Wednesday.
Anyone who decides to utilize a warming center does not need to stay the entire time, organizers say.
“People are allowed to come and go at the warming center,” KCV leaders note in their announcement. “People do not need to be there when it opens, and it is not mandatory that someone stays all night.”
The point of a warming center, organizers said, is to ensure neighbors remain unharmed.
“Everyone involved with the planning, implementation, services, and funding of the warming centers just want everyone to remain safe,” organizers said.
