Bridgeport officials have activated the a severe cold weather protocol for the city.

Gov. Ned Lamont also activated a statewide severe cold weather protocol Wednesday. 

The protocol took effect at 6:00 p.m. and will remain in place until Saturday at 9 a.m.

There are several warming centers open to the public in Bridgeport, and officials are urging those without shelter to use them.

The Greater Bridgeport Transit Bus Terminal on Water Street is available as a warming center and will be open daily.

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Officials say all public library branches in the city are also available as warming centers but are closed on Sunday. 

City senior centers city's senior centers including, East Side Senior Center on East Main Street, Black Rock Senior Center on Fairfield Avenue, and North End Bethany Senior Center on Thorme Street, are also available as warming centers from Monday through Friday.

Bridgeport's Islamic Community Center on Park Avenue is also available as a warming center when the temperature is 25 degrees or lower. Those in need of a shelter can stay at the center from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The governor says he activated the statewide protocol because bitter cold temperatures and wind chills are anticipated to impact the state over the next several days.

The protocol directs staff from the relevant state agencies to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut's network of shelters to ensure that the most vulnerable recieve protection from the severe conditions. A listing of available shelters throughout Connecticut can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.

"Bitter cold temperatures and wind chills are expected to impact our state over the next few days," Lamont says, "We must ensure that services are available to protect the most vulnerable populations during these periods of cold weather. If you or someone you know is in need of a shelter or warming center, please call 2-1-1."