In anticipation of severe winter weather in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, a state of emergency has been declared, and a winter storm shelter will be set into motion this Saturday evening. According to an announcement by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office, the shelter activation is a response to forecasts predicting substantial ice and freezing rain, which may result in extensive power outages or damage.
The designated shelter spot is the Grady Cole Center, located at 310 North Kings Drive in Charlotte, offering refuge to those vulnerable to harsh conditions, particularly families with young children, the elderly, and individuals with imperative medical needs that require electricity. Parking is available in the vicinity of North Kings Drive, between East 7th Street and Armory Drive, and the space was set to open at 7 p.m. yesterday, welcoming the general populace seeking warmth and shelter.
Operations at the shelter will be led by the American Red Cross, ensuring that essential amenities such as heat, power, and basic meals are provided to those taking shelter. Support will also extend to health care services, with Mecklenburg County Public Health nurses on the ground for screenings and assistance. Safety and security are to be maintained by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and county security services.
For those requiring transportation to the Grady Cole Center, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses will be offering rides as the weather allows. For access to the service, riders need to simply inform the driver of their destination. The shelter is also accommodating for those accompanied by pets, urging residents to not leave their pets behind in such perilous weather conditions.
The official announcement advises visitors to bring clothing and personal items to last several days, including toiletries, extra bedding, warm layers, snacks, medications, phone chargers, and some form of entertainment. The situation at the shelter, alongside the weather, will be under constant review through the weekend until tomorrow, at which point a decision will be made on whether to maintain or conclude shelter operations.
For updates and the latest information, residents are advised to keep tabs on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office’s social media channels, specifically their profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
