Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County officials are preparing to help people stay warm as forecasters watch the chance of rare winter weather along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency announced that a temporary warming center will open in Foley for anyone who needs a safe place out of the cold. The move comes as a strong cold front approaches the area with a small chance of a wintry mix or light snow. While serious impacts are not expected, local leaders say they want vulnerable residents to have a warm place to go if temperatures drop.

The January 15th Notice states that forecast confidence remains low and that the exact impacts are uncertain. The Safer Place Warming Center at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Foley is scheduled to open from Saturday, January 17, through Sunday, January 18. It will begin accepting guests at 3 p.m. Saturday and plans to close at 10 a.m. Sunday, though hours could be extended if freezing conditions linger.

According to the National Weather Service office in Mobile, recent trends show a small but increasing chance for a brief period of wintry mix or light snow, mainly east of Interstate 65, as the cold front passes through the region. Light rain on Saturday evening could transition to a wintry mix overnight, but little to no accumulation is expected at this time. Any impacts from frozen precipitation are expected to be short-lived, though officials warn that the situation could change as the system moves closer.

Because cold weather is unusual in Baldwin County, county leaders are emphasizing both safety and preparedness. The Safer Place Warming Center will operate out of the administration building at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 506 N. Pine Street, Foley, not in the main parish hall. Signs will be posted on site to direct visitors to the correct entrance.

The center will offer a warm indoor space, cots, and an evening meal for guests. Hot meals will be served at 6 p.m., and guests are asked to bring their own blankets, pillows, medications, and other personal comfort items. Anyone with questions about the warming center should call 251-256-8202 rather than contacting the church office.

Baldwin County EMA is urging residents to help spread the word to neighbors, friends, and anyone who may not have reliable heat in their homes. Officials say this outreach is especially important for people who are homeless, elderly, or otherwise vulnerable to cold temperatures. The agency notes that additional updates will be shared if the forecast changes or if center hours need to be extended.

The release also highlights several winter weather safety tips for residents and visitors. People are urged to avoid driving if possible, since even a light glaze of ice on bridges and overpasses can make travel dangerous. Families are encouraged to prepare their homes with extra blankets, flashlights, and batteries, and to follow safety rules when using space heaters, keeping them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials.

County officials also recommend protecting pipes by insulating exposed lines and allowing faucets to drip when temperatures fall below freezing. Pet owners are reminded to bring pets inside to keep them warm and safe. Residents are encouraged to closely monitor information from the National Weather Service and Baldwin County EMA so they can respond quickly if conditions worsen.

People who want to receive Baldwin County alerts and weather updates can sign up online at AlertBaldwin.com. The Baldwin County EMA also shares information on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, under its official accounts. Additional details about emergency preparedness are available on the county EMA website, the National Weather Service Mobile website, and the federal emergency readiness site Ready.gov.