WINTER BLAST | WRTA offer free rides Wednesday and Thursday

OH WOW! will be closed Wednesday for the safety of employees and customers due to the current weather situation. The wind chill temperatures are expected to be between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees for most of Wednesday.

2:20 p.m.

LOWELLVILLE — Lowellville Local Schools are closed Wednesday and Thursday due to inclement weather.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County St. Vincent de Paul Society will be closing the following locations due to weather conditions on Wednesday. It will resume regular business hours on Thursday, weather permitting.

St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen - 252 E. Wood Street Youngstown

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry - 317 Via Mt. Carmel Ave. Youngstown

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store - 221 Court Street Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN — Because of the weather, the Western Reserve Transit Authority isn’t charging people for rides on all fixed routes Wednesday and Thursday.

WRTA operates 21 fixed routes within Mahoning County, as well as a Warren Express route with hourly service to downtown Warren.

“This is really a safety issue,” said WRTA Executive Director Dean Harris. “For those who can’t get their cars started or who otherwise need to get somewhere, we don’t want them to even think about having to walk. A WRTA bus can get them to work, shopping, the doctor or anywhere they need to go along our regular routes.”

11:34 a.m.

WARREN — In anticipation of frigid temperatures expected this week, the Warren City School District is closing all buildings, including the Administration Building, on Wednesday and Thursday.

All classes, school events and activities, including athletics, are canceled and all offices will be closed.

9:37 a.m.

NILES — Because of anticipated extreme temperatures and low wind chills moving through the area, the Niles Wellness Center will be open to city residents as a warming station from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday for those without access to heat or electricity. Those in need of warmth will have access to vending machines, water, coffee and a heated environment.

Also, the Niles Fire Department will also be open to city residents as an overnight warming station from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday.