Savannah is preparing for a period of dangerously cold temperatures expected from Monday night, January 26, through Tuesday morning, January 27. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for the area, warning that overnight and early morning wind chills could make it feel like temperatures are in the low to mid-teens.
In response to these conditions, the City of Savannah and its community partners are expanding shelter capacity and offering warming center space. Transportation assistance will also be available for individuals experiencing homelessness or anyone without adequate heat.
The Tompkins Regional Center at 2333 Ogeechee Road will open as an overnight shelter on Monday at 7 p.m., closing at 7 a.m. Tuesday. The facility will offer 45 beds and can accommodate up to 10 pets under their owners’ control. On-site security will be provided. “Shelter availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Renegade Paws is available for pet assistance,” according to city officials.
Additional shelters include the Salvation Army at 3100 Montgomery Street (5 beds for women, 3 beds for men), Union Mission at 120 Fahm Street (5 beds for women, 15 beds for men), and Come As You Are at 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue (open both Monday and Tuesday with 30 beds available).
The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless Outreach Team will assist with transportation to shelters during the advisory period. Individuals needing help can call designated phone numbers between Monday morning and late evening hours.
Residents are encouraged to limit time outdoors during this period of extreme cold, check on elderly neighbors or those without adequate heat, bring pets indoors, and know the signs of cold-related illnesses.
To prevent frozen pipes during hard freezes, residents should let both hot and cold water drip slowly from faucets overnight, open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air circulation around plumbing, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, and ensure they know where their main water shutoff valve is located in case of emergency.
Media access inside shelter facilities or warming centers will not be permitted during this event.
