Below-zero wind chill expected in Boston tonight; concern rises for homeless

 The National Weather Service this afternoon said the gusts that prompted a high-wind advisory should be diminishing during the evening. But meteorologists said the night would still be gusty.

At the same time, temperatures are expected to plunge into the single digits this evening and overnight wind chills could range as low as minus 10 degrees, said meteorologist Jeremiah Pyle.

Pyle said warmer temperatures -- in the mid-20s  -- will return tomorrow. "It's still going to be cold, but the winds are going to be much calmer than today. So it will not feel quite so cold,'' he said.

He said the service's network of weather spotters reported wind damage in Newton, Foxboro and Woburn, with trees or power lines down in those communities.

In Boston this morning, strong winds blew a door off a Chinatown building and injured a man on the sidewalk below, police said. The incident was reported at 10:13 a.m. after a door from the second floor of Knapp Street landed on the man and knocked him unconscious, Officer Joe Zanoli said.

In a telephone interview, Greene said the city has not completed its annual census of the homeless, which began Dec. 15. But he said the Pine Street Inn and other shelters, like the Long Island shelter, are operating above maximum capacity. Still, he said, no one in need would be turned away.

 Green also said that hypothermia has symptoms similar to drug or alcohol intoxication. He urged anyone who sees a homeless person they suspect may in distress to err on the side of caution and call for help.

 "When in doubt, people should call for help,'' Greene said." We are on full alert this time of year anyone, but we get a heightening level of awareness and activate the whole network to another level when I goes down into single digits.''

In Boston, they can call 911 or the mayor's emergency hotline at City Hall at 617-635-4500 to alert authorities.

Barbara Trevisan, spokeswoman for the Pine Street Inn, said the shelter, which usually closes down during the day, remained open today to provide an escape from the elements.

She said Pine Street tonight will find a place for anyone whose asks for it. She also said that for those who choose to stay outside, outreach workers will make sure they have warm clothing, good blanket and hot food.