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Schools Closed, Warming Centers Open Due To Extreme Cold

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - People around the area are taking the frigid weather very seriously and many schools around the area don't have class today.

With temperatures dropping below zero and a high of just 5 degrees expected today, many schools around the area decided to close.

However, there is at least one local campus where students had to brave the cold temperatures.

CCAC students are bundled up and headed to class despite the arctic blast.

While many schools across the region were closed for the day, CCAC decided to stay open.

Student Amanda Pritchard emailed the newsroom asking us to find out why.

"It is absolutely degrading for a school to do this to their students, and I have never seen this level of disrespect from an educational institution," she said.

Many students were upset about the decision, but others thought it was just another day.

CCAC tells KDKA:
"Weighing all factors, including the safety of our students, faculty and staff, CCAC made the decision to remain open today. CCAC's decision is in line with other colleges and universities in the region."

Meanwhile, for those who are out and about in chilly Downtown Pittsburgh, there is no parking enforcement today.

"It's going to be a very different feel with schools closed. I know a lot of people were taking off work. We'll be out there working. I must say the parking enforcement officers will not be out. So, if you do come into the city, you won't have to worry about finding quarters," Pittsburgh's Chief Operations Officer Guy Costa said.

Also, trash pickup in the city will be delayed by a day and many surrounding communities are doing the same thing.

The Red Cross has overnight shelters ready to go in case any power outages arise in this cold weather.

A few warming centers will be open across the area today should you need them.

Carnegie Borough Building - open around the clock.

Allegheny Valley Hospital – open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Catholic Charities' Susan Zubik Welcome Center – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In Pittsburgh, five warming centers will be available for residents who need them.

The locations will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday:

  • Greenfield Healthy Active Living Center, 745 Greenfield Ave. (412)-422-6551
  • Homewood Healthy Active Living Center, 7321Frankstown Ave. (412)-244-4190
  • North Side, Allegheny Center Healthy Active Living Center, Allegheny Square (412)-323-7239
  • Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center, 720 Sherwood Ave. (412)-777-5012
  • South Side Healthy Active Living Center, 12th and Bingham streets (412)-488-8404

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

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