Thurston County extends hazardous weather advisory as icy roads delay, close schools
A Hazardous Weather Advisory has been extended in Thurston County until 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 as the forecast for more freezing temperatures extends into mid-week.
Icy weather on Monday prompted several school closures and delays. The Shelton and South Side school districts in Mason County were closed, as well as Mary M. Knight School District. Pierce College at JBLM opened late, as did Yelm Community Schools. All Skokomish Tribe buildings were closed Monday as well.
While daytime temperatures are expected to reach into the mid 40s, overnight temperatures will dip into the mid 20s, forecasters say. Snow was expected Monday, but is not in the forecast for Tuesday or Wednesday.
The Hazardous Weather Advisory was first put into place Feb. 22 because of persistent below-freezing temperatures at night. The county’s Public Health and Social Services department extended the advisory to increase shelter-in-place efforts, as well as to continue offering more shelter beds.
Single beds for people over the age of 18 are available at Sergio’s Place at 3444 Martin Way E. Other shelter options may be available at Union Gospel Mission at 413 Franklin St. NE, St. Michael Parish at 1208 11th Ave. SE, the Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place at 837 Seventh Ave., or at Community Youth Services at 520 Pear St. SE.
County officials began distributing shelter-in-place gear to people in unsheltered communities Feb. 21, and efforts will continue until March 1. The packs include blankets, water and other items.
The county is asking for donations of winter weather items, such as blankets, sheets, non-perishable foods and snacks, clothing, and more. Donations are being accepted at The United Churches of Olympia at 110 11th Ave. SE, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 1. Drop off donations in the back parking lot.
Interfaith Works is seeking volunteers to work in hazardous weather shelters as well. To go through an official Hazardous Weather Shelter Volunteer Training, contact phoebe.crasher@iwshelter.org, or Keylee Marineau at 360-490-5910 or keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us. You can sign up for volunteer shifts at www.ishelter.org/code-blue.html.
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