A warming shelter has been opened at the old Mt. Barton school as sub-freezing temperatures blanket much of the state.

Lauderdale County Emergency Management Director Odie Barrett said the shelter, which opened Sunday evening, will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. through Wednesday to give residents a place to get out of the cold.

“This warming center is open to anyone,” he said.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency on Monday advised residents to limit time spent outside as wind chill temperatures can reach -10 degrees. Temperatures are not expected to reach above freezing until Wednesday morning.

In addition to providing a break from the cold, soup, coffee and hot chocolate will also be available to help residents warm up, Barrett said.

Barrett said the shelter is not a come-and-go style facility. While at the warming shelter, no smoking, drinking or drug use will be allowed, he said. Local law enforcement is on hand during the shelter hours.

Additional warming shelter locations throughout the state can be found at msema.org/shelters-and-safe-rooms.

MEMA said residents should continue to monitor the weather, check on elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbors and make sure pets have proper shelter, food and water. Pipes should continue to be insulated or left dripping to avoid freezing, and cold sensitive plants should be protected, the agency said.

Snow, sleet and freezing rain are expected as the winter weather moves across the state Tuesday and into Wednesday, and those traveling are encouraged to check road conditions before heading out. Real-time road conditions can be found online at mdottraffic.com or by downloading the Mississippi Department of Transportation mobile app.