UPDATE: 6:11 p.m.: Weather leaves nearly 6,000 without power in Monroe County

Nearly 6,000 Monroe County residents were out of power by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to information from Duke Energy's Web site. Representatives from Duke Energy were not available for comment.\nIn response, the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross opened a shelter a Tri-North Middle School, 1000 W. 15th St. in Bloomington, according to an American Red Cross press release. \nThe shelter opened at 3 p.m. Tuesday and is expected to remain open "as long as the need for shelter is there for affected persons," according to the release. \nDirector of Emergency Services Maria Carrasquillo said the shelter has room for about 60 people and will provide refreshments and a light meal.\n"It's definitely warm and it's a safe place to stay tonight," she said. She said the shelter could expand if necessary and the last time a similar shelter opened in Bloomington was in April of last year due to high winds.\nTo contact the Red Cross chapter, call 332-7292.