The Office of Emergency Management for Lee County has issued a cold weather alert for tonight and says the Fort Myers Salvation Army and the Fort Myers Rescue Mission will open shelters tonight.

Cold weather has been forecast for tonight and Thursday night, according to authorities.

Tonight will be clear with a low around 31 in the Fort Myers area and lower in Lehigh. The wind chill values will be as low as 24 with north northwest winds between 10 and 13 mph, authorities said.

Thursday night, it will be clear, with a low in the mid 30s and a few degrees colder in Lehigh, with north northeast winds between 6 and 9 mph.

Frost is expected in some parts of Lehigh Acres.

The following cold weather shelters will be open both nights:

The Salvation Army opens at 7 p.m., at the Red Shield Lodge, 2476 Edison Ave., Fort Myers; and the Fort Myers Rescue Mission opens at 7 p.m. at 6900 Mission lane in Fort Myers.

There are no shelters in Lehigh Acres.

Officials at the Emergency Operations Center urge the public to take the following cold weather precautions:

* Be careful with space heaters. Keep them away from flammable items such as curtains and upholstery. Inspect the heater and electrical cord carefully before use. Do not use extension cords.

* Make sure your smoke detector is working,.

* Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside. They produce deadly carbon monoxide.

* Bring pets and potted plants inside. Cover outdoor plants.

* Protect wells and outdoor plumbing from freezing

* Check on neighbors, friends and relatives. The elderly and children are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.

* Stay indoors and dress warmly, in layers, if you will be outside.