PORT ANGELES — Not much snow, if any, is expected to fall on the North Olympic Peninsula through the end of the week, but temperatures will drop significantly, potentially leading to hazardous conditions.
“These winds are going to usher in some really cold air,” said Dev McMillian, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. “We won’t rise above freezing again until we get into next week.”
Starting Thursday afternoon, cold winds from a weather phenomenon known as a Fraser River outflow were expected to start pushing cold air from British Columbia into Western Washington, causing temperatures to drop significantly.
The National Weather Service issued a wind chill advisory through this evening, with wind chills as low as zero or -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes,” the weather service said.
Those heading into the cold should dress in layers and wear appropriate clothing such as a hat and gloves, the weather service advised.
The coldest chills will be felt at night — lows are forecast to be 13 degrees today and 19 degrees Saturday night.
Dale Brownfield, Jefferson County superintendent of roads, said crews salted the county’s main arterials Wednesday evening and planned to do the same Sunday.
“It’s highly unlikely to get any snow accumulation, but half our trucks are set up and have people on standby,” Brownfield said.
Tuesday’s windstorm downed a few trees, causing road closures in Port Ludlow and the West End, Brownfield said.
Even without snow, roads are likely to be slippery and any precipitation is expected to come as freezing rain, which freezes immediately upon hitting the ground.
“Probably on a weekend like this, I’d advise not to travel,” Brownfield said. “Stay close to home unless absolutely necessary.”
The City of Port Angeles said in a news release the icy street conditions or snowfall will trigger the city’s snow and ice removal operations and crews will clear streets according to the city’s priority list. Residents are asked to park in driveways or in off-street parking to allow for easier plowing.
Potholes and icy intersections can be reported to the Port Angeles Public Works Department at 360-417-4800.
Daytime temperatures aren’t expected to rise above freezing until Sunday, but even then, they will be below normal at 33 degrees on Sunday and a high of 36 degrees for Monday.
Skies will remain cloudy until Saturday evening, and partly sunny skies are forecast for Sunday and Monday.
Higher elevations will see more snowfall, but precipitation is expected to stop as temperatures drop.
Hurricane Ridge Road was closed Monday through Thursday, but Olympic National Park said the road would be open today, weather permitting.
The Northwest Avalanche Center recorded 42 inches of snow at Hurricane Ridge at noon Thursday.
The Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club said on Facebook it will not be able to say when operations might start for the season until at least today, when the group can do a hill assessment of the snow.
Warming centers
Several warming centers are available in both Clallam and Jefferson counties for those looking to get out of the cold.
• The Jefferson Interfaith Action Coalition’s Winter Welcoming Center in the Pope Marine Building, 100 Madison St. in Port Townsend, will be open 24 hours a day beginning Thursday and continuing at least through Sunday and perhaps Tuesday.
Cots and food will be available. The center is operated by the Jefferson Interfaith Action Coalition. The Center is accepting donations from community members. For more information, go to https://www.jeffersoninterfaithaction.org/wwc or call 360-821-4811.
• Serenity House, 2321 W. 18th St. in Port Angeles, which offers a 24-hour homeless shelter, has emergency shelter services when the temperature drops to 33 degrees. The shelter allows only individuals 18 or older. It also offers breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• If Serenity House is full, it will shuttle people to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sequim for warming when necessary. The Olympic Community Action Programs hosts the overnight warming center at 525 N. Fifth Ave. when the temperature falls to 35 degrees or colder. It is open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. with soup, warm beverages and blankets. The center is not a full shelter since it does not meet fire code for beds.
• The City of Port Angeles is prepared to stand up a warming center at the Vern Burton Community Center, should others reach capacity and temperatures fall below 20 degrees for an extended period of time, according to spokesperson Jessica Straits.
