Rochester Public Transit Offering Free Shelter from Dangerous Arctic Blast

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A dangerous blast of arctic air is moving into southeast Minnesota this weekend. 

Read More: First Ever 'Cold Weather Advisory' Issued for Southern Minnesota 

The National Weather Service issued a newly-named Cold Weather Advisory for Rochester and the surrounding areas. 

Wind Chills as cold as -35 are expected throughout the Rochester area during the advisory, which is set to begin at 9:00 Saturday evening and expire at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 21. 

Highs in Rochester are predicted to be below zero on Sunday and Monday. Overnight lows during the advisory are forecasted to range from -10 to -16, according to the National Weather Service.  

Get our free mobile app

Rochester Public Transit Activates 'Warm Place to Be' In Response to Arctic Blast

In response to the frigid cold, Rochester Public Transit (RPT) is activating its “Warm Place to Be” program. The program allows anyone to escape the chilly temperatures by boarding a heated bus without paying a fare. 

See Also: Urgent Need for Water, Gloves & Underwear in Rochester, MN

Anyone stuck in the arctic air can notify an RPT driver that they need to warm up and they will be allowed on the bus free of charge, a city-issued news release says.   

“Our transit vehicles are on the streets and in the neighborhoods 365 days a year. When the conditions outside are dangerously cold, we encourage people to board a bus to stay safe,” said Parking and Transit Director Ia Xiong. 

RPT activated the cold-weather shelter program during Saturday morning service. It’s scheduled to extend through Tuesday, Jan. 21.