Warming Shelters Open

***UPDATE WEDNESDAY 3:25 P.M.***The American Red Cross has opened shelters in Columbia and Marshall for those who have lost power due to the winter storm.- The Columbia shelter is located in the Broadway Christian Church, 2601 West Broadway.- The Marshall shelter is in the First United Methodist Church, 225 East Arrow.Both shelters will be open overnight.***ORIGINAL STORY***Warming centers opened Tuesday night across Mid-Missouri to take in some of the thousands left without power after the winter storm.Utility companies were continuing to report tens of thousands of outages Tuesday, including about 3,000 Ameren customers, 7,800 Boone Electric customers, 11,500 Co-Mo Electric customers and most rural Howard Electric customers.Area warming centers include:-Columbia: Broadway Christian Church at 2601 West Broadway, opened Tuesday at 8 p.m. in conjunction with the Heart of Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross. It is staffed by volunteers and can house more than 20 people. Food was also available, but those with food allergies or special medication needs were asked to bring their own necessities for overnight. The building may stay open Wednesday as a warming center and volunteers will reassess the need for a second night of operation, based on power outage reports.-Fulton: First Presbyterian Church, at Court Street and St. Louis Avenue, opened Tuesday evening in conjunction with the American Red Cross. As in Columbia, some food was available but people with special food or medication needs must bring those necessities with them. The center will remain open until Wednesday at 7 a.m. and then volunteers will reassess the need for future hours.-Fayette: Howard County EMA opened the former Keller Hospital Building at 600 Morrison Tuesday afternoon for those without power. The building will remain open through the morning and continued hours will be reassessed at that time.