Batavia Opens Warming Center As Wind Chills Expected To Drop 35 Below Zero

BATAVIA, IL — The Batavia Police Department will serve as a warming center for five nights beginning Thursday as wind chills are expected to drop up to 35 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service.

The warming center, at 100 N. Island Ave., will be operable from 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Jan. 27, during which time a Wind Chill Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service. The city cannot provide sleeping accommodations, dedicated hygiene or washing facilities, or refrigerators for food storage, officials said.

Before the cold begins on Thursday night, another round of snow is also possible Wednesday night, which may lead to hazardous travel. The weather service said a one- to two-hour burst of snow is possible, with a time range of 5 p.m. Wednesday to midnight.

RELATED: Extreme Cold Watch: Wind Chills 35 Below Zero Expected For Chicago Area

The dangerous cold begins Thursday night into Friday morning, and bitter cold will continue through the weekend, Patch reported.

Currently, the weather service is forecasting a high of minus 2 Thursday night, with wind chills as low as 35 below zero, and a high of minus 5 degrees on Friday with wind chills as low as 25 below zero.

The temporary warming center in Batavia is meant for the benefit of the elderly, families with children and other vulnerable residents, city officials said.

When guests arrive, they should check in at the front desk of the Batavia Police Department.