Several inches of snow are expected in the region, especially in western Kitsap County, which is now under a Winter Weather Advisory until 10 a.m. Saturday. The previous Winter Storm Warning was canceled.
The county has opened four severe weather shelters for those seeking shelter from the elements, most of which will be open nightly from 6 p.m. through 7 a.m. on Sunday. Shelter operators ask that anyone needing to utilize the shelters sign in before 9 p.m.
So far this season, the county said it as accommodated 173 stays at its shelters.
Shelter locations and opening times are as follows:
- Village Green Community Center
26159 Dulay Rd NE, Kingston, WA 98346
Open 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. - Port Orchard United Methodist Church
725 Kitsap St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Open 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. - Gateway Fellowship, West Wing Building
18901 8th Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370
Open 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. - Silverdale United Methodist Church
9982 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383
Open 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Those needing transportation to the nearest shelter can call 360-373-3000 before 7 p.m. for assistance.
Salvation Army in Bremerton has also been operating on its emergency shelter plan all week due to the inclement weather. They've been seeing increases in people coming in to seek shelter from the cold and hosted over 90 people one night. They're expecting to continue operating on the emergency shelter plan into next week because of the cold temperatures expected.
"We expect more people will be coming in so we’re just anticipating that," Capt. Dana Walters with Salvation Army in Bremerton said, "We anticipate we’ll need more blankets, clothes, all those sorts of things, so we’re bringing down supplies, making sure our staff can get in."
Road crews have also been treating county roads with salt brine and sand all week, monitoring road and weather conditions.
"All of our equipment is calibrated, our trucks are loaded with sand," Kitsap County Roads Superintendent Jacques Dean said, "The plows are all mounted, the trucks are full of brine, and so when the call comes, the guys will be ready."
Click here for Kitsap County's tracking of road closures.