Snowy weather arrives in Thurston County, prompting road-clearing work and emergency shelters

A large swath of the region remains in a winter storm warning through Friday morning, with several inches of snow possible throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend.

The Olympia area saw the first snowfall this morning. At the same time, temperatures have dipped to below freezing, prompting area jurisdictions to implement plans to clear roads and offer emergency shelter.

Yesterday, Thurston County kicked off a four-day “hazardous weather event,” and opened additional shelters and warming stations. Between 12 and 15 extra beds will be available at First Christian Church in Olympia until 8 a.m. Sunday. Single adults may find more shelter at the Union Gospel Mission and the Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place is available for families with children. Meanwhile, Community Youth Services is available for youths age 18 to 24. Outreach staff will provide survival supplies to individuals and families living in encampments.

For additional information on available shelters, call the Thurston County Shelter Hotline at 1-844-628-7343.

“Typically, during a hazardous weather event, we would be able to offer significant expansion in emergency shelter beds,” said Keylee Marineau, the homeless prevention coordinator for Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, in a statement. “The Homeless Crisis Response System shelters are still operating with COVID-19 safety practices in place. We are so grateful for our partners’ willingness to offer safe options for unsheltered folks, given the limitations of COVID-19. It is imperative, with freezing temperatures and snow flurries on the horizon, we do what we can to keep people safe.”

Thurston County Public Works applied deicer to major roadways and thoroughfares before the snow started to fall. Crews have been stationed at various points around the county with snowplows to ensure a quicker response, according to a county press release. Hospitals and other emergency facilities — like fire stations — get the first priority for road clearing.

Updates on road conditions and clearing will be posted on the county’s winter and storm response page.

The City of Olympia takes a similar approach, said Public Works Director Rich Hoey, during a briefing with the city council Tuesday evening. He said the city’s seven snow plows will prioritize main arterial roads and highways, with a focus on routes to hospitals. Secondary roads will follow, he said.

Additionally, the snowy weather resulted in a number of school closures and other cancellations. See The JOLT’s list of closures and updates.