Orange County activates 24-hour warming centers in Middletown, Newburgh, Port Jervis

Ulster County declared a Code Blue and moved multiple warming centers to round-the-clock operations as an Arctic blast pushed daytime highs and wind chills into dangerous territory. The shift was timed to a forecast of single-digit lows, gusty winds and potential snow that officials said would increase the risk of hypothermia, frostbite and infrastructure damage.

Officials said, "Snow showers and isolated snow squalls are possible Friday night into Saturday morning, followed by strong winds on Saturday that may cause blowing and drifting snow, especially at higher elevations." They warned that "the combination of bitter temperatures and gusty winds will create a high risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and damage to infrastructure, including frozen or burst pipes." County emergency teams urged residents to limit outdoor activity, keep pets inside when possible and use heating equipment safely.

Operational changes began Feb. 5. The Ellenville warming center at the Hunt Memorial Building, 124 Canal St., moved to 24-hour operations starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 and continued through 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Kingston’s 24/7 warming center at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf St., remained on its usual around-the-clock schedule and was scheduled to continue 24/7 through March 31 with the option to extend; contact for Kingston is (845) 334-0551. Law enforcement in Ulster County said officers would be available to transport people to warming centers.

Orange County listings circulated alongside Ulster’s actions. The Newburgh Ministry (Hope Safe Haven) at 13 Bridge St., Newburgh, is open year-round to adults; doors close nightly from 9:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., but entry is possible if escorted by police or following hospital discharge. Call ahead at 845-563-0713 or reach Luis Gonzalez, case aide, at 845-784-4462 for assistance. Port Jervis offers evening shelter at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 31 West Main St.; hours are listed as 8–10 p.m., with late entry possible via police escort. Daytime contact for Port Jervis is 845-649-8720; evening contact (7–11 p.m.) is 845-856-1033. The Times Herald-Record’s listing referenced Middletown among Orange County warming-center locations; the supplied material does not include a specific Middletown address or phone for a shelter.

Policy guidance for jurisdictions emphasizes that overnight warming-center activations follow Mass Care and Shelter Annex procedures and that financial and staffing considerations factor into decisions to open overnight facilities. The guidance notes that an overnight warming center becomes a disaster shelter when temperatures meet Freeze Warning criteria. Emergency managers were instructed to share updated shelter hours and activations with 2-1-1 OC and public information officers so residents can get real-time help.

For residents, the practical implications are immediate: check the phone numbers listed above if you need shelter, limit time outdoors, safeguard pipes and heating equipment, and check on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors. Officials reiterated the simple operational rule for the cold snap: "Code Blue will be in effect for all Warming Centers." Expect local emergency services and nonprofit partners to maintain and adjust shelter hours as the next weather updates arrive.