Mike Wolanin | The Republic People campaign outside the vote center at Donner Center during the primary election in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — In anticipation of extremely cold temperatures beginning Wednesday, the city will open Donner Center as a warming center on Wednesday and Thursday.
The center will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Animals will also be welcome at the warming center but they must be kept in crates in a designated area at the center. Columbus Animal Care Services will provide the crates.
At 5 p.m. each night, Brighter Days shelter will be open for overnight shelter. To ensure access, ColumBUS transit routes 1 and 2 will stop at Donner Center starting at 6 a.m. and continuing the route until 8 p.m. Reminder, only service animals are allowed on ColumBUS buses.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather statement for the central Indiana area saying snow showers and squalls are predicted for Wednesday, causing brief periods of heavy snow, whiteout conditions and winds over 40 mph. Conditions could deteriorate, especially during the evening commute.
Residents are advised:
— to wear multiple layers of clothing to stay insulated
— to keep dry to maintain body heat
— to seek shelter and avoid outdoor exposure
— to ensure your home is insulated and draft-free
— to keep an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, food and water
This story will be updated.
