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Miami-Dade County, FL - South Florida agencies have activated emergency shelter plans as an unusually cold weather system moves through the region, putting vulnerable residents at risk overnight.
Local officials in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and the city of Hollywood opened cold weather shelters this week after forecasts showed nighttime temperatures falling well below seasonal averages.
Meteorologists warned that overnight lows could dip into the 40s, with some inland areas potentially reaching the upper 30s, conditions that pose serious health risks for people without stable housing.
In Miami-Dade County, the Homeless Trust initiated its cold weather protocol, opening emergency shelters beginning Tuesday evening.
The shelters are scheduled to remain open through the end of the cold snap, depending on weather conditions.
Outreach teams and partner organizations worked to transport individuals experiencing homelessness to safe indoor locations, providing warmth and basic necessities during the overnight hours.
Broward County officials also declared a cold weather emergency, activating shelters in coordination with local nonprofits.
A shelter operated by the Salvation Army in Fort Lauderdale opened in the early evening, offering dinner, overnight accommodations, and morning services on a first come basis.
The county’s cold weather response is expected to continue through at least Thursday morning as temperatures gradually recover.
In Hollywood and parts of Miami, The Caring Place launched its Compassionate Nights program, offering temporary shelter, meals, clothing, and hygiene resources.
The program remains active whenever temperatures fall below designated safety thresholds.
Officials emphasized that cold weather emergencies in South Florida, while infrequent, require rapid coordination to prevent cold-related illnesses and fatalities among unsheltered populations.