Batavia City Hall Will Function As Warming Center In Frigid Weather

BATAVIA, IL — With frigid temperatures once again expected Thursday night into Friday morning, staff is looking to help those in need by turning Batavia City Hall into a temporary warming center.

Officials cited the National Weather Service's wind chill advisory in place between 10 p.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Friday as one of the reasons for opening the temporary warming center. Temperatures plus wind chill are expected to be as low as minus 25 during the 12-hour period.

In Batavia, a high of 7 degrees is expected Friday, forecasts show. By Saturday and into early next week, the temperature will rise to the low 40s.

City Hall, at 100 N. Island Ave., will be open as a warming center while the wind chill advisory is in effect, officials announced Thursday. Visitors are asked to check in at the front desk of the Batavia Police Department when they arrive.

The warming center will open for the benefit of the elderly, families with small children and other vulnerable residents.

City officials said they cannot provide sleeping accommodations, dedicated hygiene or washing facilities or refrigerators for food storage.

Anyone with questions about the city's warming center should call police at 630-454-2500.