KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. — Icy and snow condition Thursday morning canceled classes throughout South Sound and the Kitsap Peninsula as crews work to clear and de-ice roadways.
A cold modified arctic air mass settled in across western Washington bringing with it frigid temperatures and areas of lowland snow showers.
The favored areas to see snow Thursday morning are across the Olympic Peninsula, including parts of coastal Washington, and even the I-5 corridor from Olympia to Chehalis and the Kitsap Peninsula and Hood Canal as a low-pressure near the southwest coast pulls moisture into this region.
One KING 5 viewer in the Skokomish Valley reported 9.5 inches of snow Thursday morning.
Western Washington snow - 2/23
School closures
Schools across Kitsap County and South Sound have either closed or have been delayed due to the weather conditions.
Port Angeles, Central Kitsap, Bremerton, Hood Canal and Olympia have all announced school closures. Tacoma and other Pierce County school districts have announced two-hour late starts.
Road closures
The Washington State Department of Transportation is advising drivers to take extra precautions during their commutes this morning.
WSDOT crews removed a rolled semi after a collision this morning near Tumwater. Northbound Interstate 5 has been reduced to one lane at US 101. Crews worked for hours to clean up a diesel spill.
A spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol said a truck driver rolled his semi on I-5 near the Highway 101 interchange in Tumwater around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday after it was determined he was going too fast for the snowy and icy conditions.
Portions of the freeway were closed until early afternoon.
Available shelters in Thurston County
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services has issued a "Hazardous Weather" advisory to increase shelter beds Thursday and Friday nights.
Interfaith Works Homeless Services hosted 25 people overnight Wednesday in its still under construction Sergio's Place. The daytime resource center for those experiencing homelessness is scheduled to open in April, but the cold February weather prompted an early opening.
Here is a list of available shelters in Olympia:
- Union Gospel Mission: 413 Franklin Street NE; for single men and women
- St. Michael’s Parish: 1208 11th Avenue SE; for single men
- Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place: 837 7th Avenue SE; available for families with children
- Community Youth Services: 520 Pear Street SE; available for youth ages 18-24
- Sergio's Service Center: 3444 Martin Way E; available for anyone over 18 and their pets
To find shelters in King County, click here.
To find shelters in Pierce County, click here.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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