Tonight's cold front will mean a push to capacity for many area homeless shelters.

At Urban Ministries of Durham, a process known as "White Flag" allows for some usual shelter rules to be pushed aside in the event of inclement weather. Typically, the shelter has a limit on the number of days any one person can stay there, and restrictions on what days they can check in.

But tonight, "We won't allow any beds to go open," said UMD Residential Program Direct.or Alexander Herring.  "It doesn't matter, the beds will be open to anyone who comes to the door, as long as we have room."

Urban Ministries of Durham has a capacity of 143, but will help direct any late arrivals to other resources. Occasionally, Herring admits, the only option is for someone to take cover in the emergency room waiting area.

"And hopefully the hospital will be accommodating and allow them to stay," he said.

Shelter Locations Throughout the WUNC Listening Area:

Chapel Hill: IFC Community House

Durham: Urban Ministries of Durham; Durham Rescue Mission

Wake County: South Wilmington Street Center

Greensboro: Greensboro Urban Ministries

Rocky Mount: United Community Ministries