West Memphis and Crittenden County Open Temporary Warming Center Ahead of Winter Storm Risk Weekend
Warming center set to operate for several days as snow and freezing temperatures are forecast
Local officials in West Memphis and Crittenden County have opened a temporary warming center for residents who may need shelter during a period of winter weather risk expected to include below-freezing temperatures and snowfall.
The site selected for the warming center is the Crossings Church Matt Sample Youth Building, located at 81 Military Road in Marion. The facility is scheduled to open at 9 a.m. Wednesday and remain in operation through 10 a.m. Saturday.
Hours and rules for access
During daytime hours, the warming center is planned to operate with come-and-go access until 6 p.m. each day. After 6 p.m., the center will shift to an overnight access rule: anyone who leaves will not be allowed to re-enter until the next day.
Location: Crossings Church Matt Sample Youth Building, 81 Military Road, Marion
Operating window: Wednesday 9 a.m. through Saturday 10 a.m.
Daily access: Come-and-go until 6 p.m.; overnight re-entry restricted until the following day
Why the center is opening
City and county emergency management planning for the period has cited forecasts calling for temperatures dropping into the upper 20s and a potential 1 to 3 inches of snow on Friday. Officials framed the warming center as a short-term resource for those who lack reliable heat or shelter, including people experiencing homelessness and others at heightened risk during extreme cold.
West Memphis has encouraged residents to use the facility if needed, aligning with broader winter-weather preparedness efforts that can be activated when freezing conditions and snow or ice create hazards for travel and public safety.
Regional context: winter operations can escalate quickly
Across Arkansas, state-level emergency operations have previously been activated in response to major winter systems, reflecting how quickly conditions can change when snow and ice spread across multiple counties. When such activations occur, they typically support coordination among emergency management agencies, transportation officials, public safety resources and weather services.
The warming center is intended as a temporary refuge during the cold-weather window, with structured access rules designed to support overnight operations.
Officials have not announced how many beds or how much capacity will be available at the site. Residents are advised to plan ahead for deteriorating conditions, including avoiding unnecessary travel during snow or ice, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and ensuring access to safe heat and cold-weather essentials.