Two cooling centers set up in Kanawha County with dangerous heat forecast

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — With blistering temperatures and a heat advisory in effect, two cooling centers have been set up Tuesday in Kanawha County for residents who need to escape the heat.

The cooling centers will be open at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Sissonville Drive and the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Commission. Hours will be noon to 9 p.m.

There are more than 900 customers without power in Kanawha County. Power restoration is expected as late as midnight. Customers affected are primarily in the Rocky Fork and Cross Lanes areas.

County officials also said community centers will be open in the city of Charleston Tuesday until 9 p.m. Charleston city pools are open Tuesday with free admission.

All Charleston pools and Kanawha County pools, including the renovated pool at Shawnee Park, will be open Wednesday. Charleston community centers will be closed Wednesday.

Heat index values are expected to reach about 100 Tuesday afternoon, with temperatures in the mid-90s and dewpoints about 70, the weather service said. The highest heat index values are expected to occur between 2 and 7 p.m.

An excessive heat watch will continue into Wednesday, which is expected to reach a heat index of 105 due to mid-90 temperatures and dewpoints in the lower 70s.

“We are asking the public to be keenly aware of this dangerous situation and check on, not only your family, but neighbors who could be susceptible to injury or death due to either a medical condition or their age,” Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said.

Anyone who loses electrical service and needs assistance due to the heat is asked to call 304-744-6843.

If emergency transportation is needed, Metro Communications can be reached at 304-744-6843. Emergency transportation is provided by the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority (KCEAA)

For larger events, KCEAA is standing by with cooling tens that can be transported to locations for larger numbers of people. KRT also is on standby with buses in case there are fires.