Thursday night and throughout the day on Friday we're expected to see the most wintery storm that we have seen this season.  Wind gusts up to 40 mph and between 4-8 inches of snow are expected, followed by a blast of arctic air which will give us our coldest days of the winter season as well. According to WZZM, not only will it be cold this weekend, but they're saying the wind gusts won't completely die down after the snow starts, as we're expecting 20 mph wind gusts throughout the weekend, which will make our days already just barely reaching a high in the mid-teens feel even colder with the wind chill.

With that said, that means there will be a fair number of people who either need to come inside from the snowy cold or may not have adequate heat within their homes and may need some additional help staying warm.  WZZM reports that ahead of the winter storm, six different warming centers have opened around the city that can help people a safe place to stay for the next week or so.

If you or someone you know needs some warmth this weekend, here are the area warming shelters that are now open around Grand Rapids thanks to WZZM,

  • Degage Ministries: 7 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (Open door is open 24 hours), 144 Division S
  • Mel Trotter Ministries: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 225 Commerce Ave SW
  • Mel Trotter Ministries at Purple East: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., 250 Ionia Ave SW
  • Exodus Place: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., 322 Front Ave SW
  • Heartside Ministries: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m., 54 Division Ave S
  • Crossroads Bible Church: Feb. 4 and Feb. 8-12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 800 Scribner Ave NW

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