Emergency warming center opens in Athens

In downtown Athens, the typical storm warnings are being met with a surprising scene as college students flood the bars on foot to celebrate the cancellation of Monday classes. While students roam Clayton Street without coats in 35-degree weather, city officials have opened an emergency warming center at the Lay Park Community Center for those seeking shelter from the impending ice. With temperatures dropping by the minute, volunteers are providing warm food and cots for dozens of residents bracing for the most dangerous overnight conditions.