ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Get ready to bring out those cozy, warm blankets, gloves and jackets once again.
The National Weather Service issued a wind chill advisory for multiple counties in the Tampa Bay area, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk.
The advisory will be in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
So what should people expect?
The NWS says there will be very cold wind chills that will be as low as 20 degrees. This is due to the cold air and wind combining to create low wind chills.
Officials are urging people to cover up efficiently because the wind chill can pose a threat of hypothermia.
As a result of the expected wind chills, Hillsborough County will be opening cold weather shelters on Tuesday night for anyone whose homes can provide enough heat to keep them safe.
County officials say shelter organizers are expecting a lot of people to be at cold shelters but only have limited capacity. People who need a place to stay are asked to see if they can stay with a family or friend before deciding to go to a shelter.
Below is where you can find a cold weather shelter in Hillsborough County:
- Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park – 107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa
- Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries – 2104 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City
- Hyde Park United Methodist Church – 500 W. Platt St., Tampa
- Legacy Church – 3416 N. 15th St., Tampa
- New Life Church – 8216 N. 13th St., Tampa (Pet-friendly shelter)
- Tampa Bay Mission of Hope – 212 S. St. Cloud Ave. Building A, Valrico
All shelters will be open from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
For some cities in Citrus County, such as Crystal River, Homosassa and Inverness, a freeze warning has been issued from the same hours as the wind chill advisory.
Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to occur and can be as low as 31 degrees, the NWS says.
"Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," weather officials said. "Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. Exposed outdoor water pipes may burst if not wrapped or covered."