Berkshires Opens Warming Centers, Provides Safety Resources Ahead of Frigid WeekendStaff Reports ,
03:07PM / Friday, January 23, 2026 | |
A back-to-back weather threat is developing as an Extreme Cold Warning tonight gives way to a major Winter Storm Warning starting Sunday morning. Dangerously cold wind chills of 25 to 35 below zero will persist through Saturday afternoon, creating a high risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Conditions will remain life-threatening for those without proper shelter or heating, and pets should be kept indoors.
Beginning at 7 AM Sunday and lasting through 7 PM Monday, a long-duration winter storm will then impact all of eastern New York and western New England, bringing 12 to 18 inches of heavy snow. Travel will become very dangerous, particularly Sunday night when snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour, severely reducing visibility. If you must travel, the National Weather Service advises keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle with a flashlight, food, and water.
Regional Warming Centers: Where to Stay Warm
Local public safety departments and community organizations have established the following short-term warming sites to provide refuge from the sub-zero temperatures.
North Adams
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Police Station Front Lobby: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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North Adams Public Library: Open Friday (10 am to 5 pm), Saturday (10 am to 1pm)
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Living Hope Church: Open Friday (8 am to 1 pm), Saturday (8 am to noon)
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First Baptist Church: Open Saturday (9 am to noon)
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North Adams City Hall: Open Friday (8 am to 4pm)
Williamstown
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Williamstown Police: Open Saturday and Sunday (Residents in need of shelter can call dispatch at (413) 458-5733 to gain access).
Pittsfield
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The Berkshire Athenaeum: Saturday (10 am to 5 pm), Sunday (8 am to 2 pm)
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21 Pearl St.: Every night (10 pm to 8 am)
Great Barrington
Essential Cold Weather Safety Tips
Home Protection & Water Safety
The Dalton Fire and Water Departments, along with other regional agencies, recommend the following to prevent property damage:
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The "Drip" Rule: Allow a very thin stream of water to run from faucets located on exterior walls to prevent pipe freezes.
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Thermostat Consistency: Avoid dropping the heat at night; keep a steady temperature to ensure pipes in walls stay above freezing.
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Open Cabinets: Keep kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
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Pipe Thawing: If pipes freeze, use a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.
Personal Health & Pets
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The Three-Layer System: Wear a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer (wool/fleece), and a windproof outer shell.
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Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors. If they must go out, limit time to a few minutes and wipe paws to remove salt and ice-melt chemicals.
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Check on Neighbors: Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors or those living alone to ensure their heating systems are functioning.
Winter Storm & Municipal Impact
Following the extreme cold, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Sunday and Monday, with up to 16 inches of snow possible.
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Williamstown Town Hall: Closed Monday, Jan 26.
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Pittsfield Snow Ops: Moving to 12-hour shifts starting early Sunday. No on-street parking, including on both sides of the street, will be allowed between 7 p.m. Saturday, January 24 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 26. Residents in and around downtown Pittsfield are encouraged to use the McKay Street parking garage for parking, which will be open to the public free of charge starting Saturday, January 24 through the duration of the snow event. Non-permitted vehicles are prohibited from parking or standing in any open municipal or school parking lot between the hours of 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. Vehicles found in violation of the above parking regulations may be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.
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Road Salt Warning: DPW officials warn that road salt becomes significantly less effective in temperatures below 10°F. Expect icy surfaces even after treatment.
Emergency Contact Directory
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Emergencies: 9-1-1
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North Adams Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 664-4944
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Williamstown Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 458-5733
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Dalton Fire District: (413) 684-0500
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National Grid (Power Outages): 1-800-465-1212
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Berkshire Gas: 1-800-292-5012
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