MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Eight people in Shelby County are dead due to the cold temperatures and winter weather the area is currently facing, according to Tennessee health officials.
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 27 weather-related deaths across the state. They said that one took place in Hickman County, one in Madison County, two in Washington County, one in Carroll County, four in Knox County, one in Van Buren County, one in Lauderdale County, one in Henry County, two in Marshall County, one in Coffee County, one in Marion County, two in Roane County and one in Anderson County.
On Tuesday, Jan. 16, the Shelby County Health department said of the then-two suspected weather-related deaths in the county, that no further information will be released about those cases until cause of death has been confirmed.
"Any premature death is tragic, and Shelby County Health Department extends sympathy to the families of those whose lives were lost," the health department said in a statement.
Mississippi has reported two weather-related deaths — one due to the extreme cold in Sharkey County and the other due to a traffic accident in Humphreys County.
The Hospitality Hub has opened an emergency warming centers for extended hours due to the upcoming freezing temperatures.
The center will be open 24 hours per day until Monday, Jan 22. *These hours may change depending on the weather. The most up-to-date information will be posted on the Hub's social media channels.
There are separate spaces for men and women, and the warming center will have limited kennels available for service dogs.
- Single women and families will stay at the Hospitality Hub at 590 Washington Ave.
- Single men and couples will stay at the Dave Wells Community Center at 915 Chelsea Ave.
Those who need a ride to the warming center via MATA can contact Hospitality Hub at 901-297-1680 during warming center hours.
As the Hospitality Hub warming center is not intended to replace the work of full-service shelters, city officials encourage those seeking shelter accommodations to contact:
- Union Mission (Men's Shelter - 383 Poplar Ave.) at 901-526-8403
- Salvation Army (women and children - 696 Jackson Ave.) at 901-529-4545
- Other shelter services: MIFA hotline, available 24 hours a day, at 901-529-4545