Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced Friday that Oneida County's office facility in Rome will serve as an evening warming center to shelter residents from this weekend's extreme cold.

The warming center is a seating area in the main lobby of the former Berkshire Bank Building, 100 W. Dominick St. It will operate from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. from Friday, Dec. 20 to Monday, Dec. 23. Hours will be extended if necessary.

"With frigid temperatures forecasted through this weekend, many Oneida County residents will be at risk," Picente said. "We will be opening up our county office facility in Rome to accommodate as many people as possible and will be working with the City of Rome to keep everyone safe during this time."

Individuals utilizing the warming center will have access to restrooms, but no beds or bedding will be provided. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office will be providing security.

"After reaching out to the County this morning for assistance, I would like to personally thank County Executive Anthony Picente for providing these resources to help our most vulnerable residents during these dangerously cold conditions," City of Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan said. "We are incredibly fortunate to have partners that we can count on when the need arises."