RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond has reactivated its emergency shelter ahead of the weekend winter storm after deactivating the facility earlier this week. The city announced that its emergency shelter, located at 6255 Old Warwick Road, will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, ahead of the winter s torm. The reopening is to provide additional sheltering for residents in need and ensure the safety of the community during the wintry weather, officials said in a social post. This came after Richmond deactivated the shelter on Wednesday after the previous weekend's winter storm. The city said the deactivation was due to its Department of Social Services staff, who operated the shelter, returning to "critical social services work." Officials said residents visiting the shelter with a pet in need should contact Richmond Animal Care and Control at 804-646-5573 for temporary housing options for the animal. Service animals are welcome in the shelter. Richmond's extreme warming centers, located at the Main Library and the Linwood Robinson Senior Center, will operate throughout Friday. Richmond Public Library branches will also serve as warming centers during regular hours of operation. ...read more read less