The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office issued a public warning after three suspected hypothermia deaths.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates on Wednesday said the medical examiner’s office has begun investigations into the deaths, all of which happened over the past 24 hours.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, typically due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Yates said all of the victims are adults and were in settings that could lead to hypothermia. He said he did not want to release additional information since the cause of death has not yet been determined.

It will take six to eight weeks to complete the additional laboratory studies, he said.

A “significant” winter storm is increasingly likely for parts of Alabama starting late Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters issued winter storm watches for north and part of central Alabama that will go into effect at midnight on Friday.

The city of Birmingham and Jimmie Hale Mission, a local homeless shelter, has opened its nightly warming station Monday, Jan. 6 through Thursday, Jan. 9, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Pathways, located at 409 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. Monday, Jan. 6 through Thursday, Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

A free shuttle service will be available from 6 to 7 p.m. for those needing transportation to the warming stations. The pickup location will be at the main entrance of Linn Park at the intersection of Park Place and 20th Street North. Return transportation will be provided each morning.

Jimmie Hale Mission is also accepting donations of twin-sized washable blankets, fresh fruit, paper plates, napkins, plastic flatware, soft breakfast bars or snacks.