Berkshires Opens Warming Centers, Provides Safety Resources Ahead of Frigid Weekend

Staff Reports 03:07PM / Friday, January 23, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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

Police Station Front Lobby: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
North Adams Public Library: Open Friday (10 am to 5 pm), Saturday (10 am to 1pm)
Living Hope Church: Open Friday (8 am to 1 pm), Saturday (8 am to noon)
First Baptist Church: Open Saturday (9 am to noon)
North Adams City Hall: Open Friday (8 am to 4pm)

Williamstown

Williamstown Police: Open Saturday and Sunday (Residents in need of shelter can call dispatch at (413) 458-5733 to gain access).

Pittsfield

Pittsfield Police Department Lobby
The Ralph J. Froio Senior Center

Great Barrington

Town Hall
libraries
Claire Teague Senior Center
Berkshire South Community Center (Standard Hours)

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:

The "Drip" Rule: Allow a very thin stream of water to run from faucets located on exterior walls to prevent pipe freezes.
Thermostat Consistency: Avoid dropping the heat at night; keep a steady temperature to ensure pipes in walls stay above freezing.
Open Cabinets: Keep kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Pipe Thawing: If pipes freeze, use a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.

Personal Health & Pets

The Three-Layer System: Wear a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer (wool/fleece), and a windproof outer shell.
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.
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.

Williamstown Town Hall: Closed Monday, Jan 26.
Pittsfield Snow Ops: Moving to 12-hour shifts starting early Sunday.
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

Emergencies: 9-1-1
North Adams Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 664-4944
Williamstown Police (Non-Emergency): (413) 458-5733
Dalton Fire District: (413) 684-0500
National Grid (Power Outages): 1-800-465-1212
Berkshire Gas: 1-800-292-5012

Tags: snow & ice, snow emergencies,

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Gov. Maura Healey's State of the Commonwealth 2026

04:10PM / Friday, January 23, 2026

Gov. Maura Healey's State of the Commonwealth address as prepared for delivery on Jan. 22, 2026, at the State House.

Good evening, Massachusetts! Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, who I know is watching from home, Leader Tarr, Leader Jones, and everyone in the Legislature: Thank you for our work together.

We also have empty seats in the Chamber tonight, members of this body who we lost this year. Senator Edward Kennedy and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante: Great public servants who served with passion and dedication and will be deeply missed.

Thank you to our Constitutional officers, members of the judiciary, and Governor's Councilors. Thank you to the former governors joining us tonight, Governor Bill Weld and Governor Mike Dukakis. Mayor Wu, and all our mayors and local officials: You'll always have a partner in the Healey-Driscoll administration.

And speaking of Driscoll, let's hear it for our lieutenant governor. Kim, you're the best teammate in government and on the pickleball court, too.

Let's hear it for our friends from labor and all the workers who keep Massachusetts running every single day. Let's hear it for members of the business community, the innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are creating those jobs. Thank you to our faith community who offer support and guidance in a time when people are feeling a lot of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Joanna, and our families, thank you for your love and support. Members of our military, veterans and Gold Star Families: everything we have, we owe to you. Thank you.

This year, America celebrates a milestone: 250 years since our founding. Massachusetts, that story began here. That's because people of Massachusetts put everything on the line to fight for what they believed in. Farmers, carpenters, shopkeepers, tavern owners — they stood up with fear and uncertainty, but also with courage and resolve. They set in motion a Revolution that gave us our country and changed the world.

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