UPDATED: West Hartford Public Schools have a 90-minute delayed opening Thursday, Jan. 8. Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are expected late Wednesday through the middle of the day Thursday, and the Town of West Hartford has identified several spots where residents can go to stay warm.

The National Weather Service shows a Wind Chill Advisory for the West Hartford area.

By Ronni Newton

The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory for the area effective 5 p.m. Wednesday and lasting through 11 a.m. Thursday, with wind chill readings expected to be as low as -23°F.  The actual temperature is expected to dip below zero, and it won’t warm up much on Thursday with continued gusty winds and a high of 20°F predicted in West Hartford.

The West Hartford Department of Human and Leisure Services has identified the following locations listed below where residents can go to seek shelter during this cold snap, as well as other times when needed. Hours and phone numbers are provided.

West Hartford Public Schools announced Wednesday evening that schools will open on a 90-minute delayed schedule on Thursday. High schools will begin at 9 a.m., middle schools will begin at 9:30 a.m., and elementary schools will begin at 10:05 a.m.

The American Red Cross Connecticut Chaper has also issued tips for protecting yourself from the cold. Click here for details.

WARMING SHELTERS

West Hartford Libraries:

Faxon Branch, 1073 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT 06110, P: 860-561-8200. Open Mondays and Wednesday 1-9 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays  10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main St., West Hartford, CT 06107, P: 860-561-6950. Open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-9.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-6p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 1-5 p.m.

Bishops Corner Branch, 15 Starkel Rd., West Hartford, CT 06117, P: 860-561-8210. Open Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesdays 1-9 p.m., Thursdays 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

West Hartford Senior Centers:

Elmwood Senior Center, 1106 New Britain Ave., (Elmwood Community Center), West Hartford. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Phone: (860) 561-8180, Fax: (860) 561-8187.

West Hartford Senior Center, 15 Starkel Rd., West Hartford. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Phone: (860) 561-7583, Fax: (860) 561-7506.

In addition, Human Services Manager Susan Huleatt recommends Westfarms as another place residents can go to get out of the cold. Westfarms remains open until 9:30 p.m.

“If a person is in his/her home and has no heat, they can call our office (860-561-7561) or in an after-hours emergency, the police department. If a person needs shelter, 211 Infoline (call 211 or 800-203-1234) is coordinating emergency shelter needs,” Huleatt added.