Forecasts call for a possible blast of winter weather to jolt Northwest Arkansas in the days ahead. Area organizations are gearing up to have facilities ready to provide safe, warm places for those who might otherwise literally be left out in the cold.

With freezing and below freezing temperatures forecast for next week, the Salvation Army of Decatur will open an over-the-night warming center. The center at 100 Austinville Road S.W. will start allowing entry at 4 p.

With the upcoming cold weather, the Salvation Army of Lawton has announced that they will be providing a Warming Shelter for those in need.