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Central Florida Opens Warming Centers as Early Arctic Blast Drives Near-Freezing Temperatures

The region mounted a coordinated, early-season shelter response to safeguard vulnerable residents from a short but dangerous cold snap.

Overview

  • Forecasters expect 37°F at Orlando International early Tuesday with 25–30 mph gusts producing wind chills in the 20s and 30s, potentially breaking the Nov. 11 record of 39°F set in 1932.
  • Orange County opened two county warming centers from 5 p.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Tuesday, while the Coalition for the Homeless and Salvation Army Orlando offered overnight stays alongside sites across Lake, Osceola, Marion, Flagler and Volusia.
  • Seminole County’s Rescue Outreach Mission added roughly 30 beds and received extra cots and blankets, with county officials keeping additional sheltering options on standby if needed.
  • Volusia’s Neighborhood Center converted its dining area at The Bridge in DeLand into a temporary shelter for up to 35 people, expecting more than 20 on the first night and likely higher demand on the second consecutive cold night.
  • Operations include free rides to shelters via Lake County Transit and LYNX in Osceola, pet housing through Osceola Animal Services, and county-supplied water, food, bedding and other essentials, with a warming trend forecast to begin Wednesday.