Tuesday, January 16th, Updates:
A Winter Storm Watch is currently in effect from this evening (January 16th) at 7 p.m. through Wednesday evening (January 17th). Heavy mixed precipitation is possible, with total snow accumulation of up to 3 inches and ice accumulation of up to 1/10th of an inch.
Driving Conditions
Driving conditions could change dramatically overnight. For those who must travel, please do so carefully and consistent with conditions. Be sure to remove snow and ice from your vehicle and allow more time to safely reach your destination. City staff continue to monitor road and weather conditions, with crews readily available to address snow and ice removal.
January 16th City Council Meeting
Port Angeles City Council meetings are conducted as hybrid meetings; members of the public, City Council, and City staff have the option to attend either in-person or virtually.
Although tonight’s meeting remains open for in-person attendance, we strongly encourage virtual participation due to forecasted weather conditions. Your safety is our top priority; please be mindful of road conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. To attend the meeting virtually, please utilize one of the following options.
- Audio Only Option (Phone)
- To join the meeting, dial 1-844-992-4726
- Input Access Code 2557 093 3907
- Webinar Password: 77976744
- If you wish to make a public comment, please dial *3. You will be notified when it is your turn to speak.
- Video Option
- To join the meeting, please visit https://cityofpa.webex.com/cityofpa/j.php?MTID=m7c561ff47e00556542f75c44cd62a7d6
- If you wish to make a public comment, please use the “raise your hand” feature in Webex. You will be notified when it is your turn to speak.
For any questions regarding the January 16th City Council meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (360) 417-4634.
Parks & Recreation Updates
Public restrooms at Erickson Playfield (302 S. Race Street), the City Pier (315 N. Lincoln Street), and one Portland Loo, located at the Breezeway Parking Lot in downtown Port Angeles, have been temporarily closed.
The Ediz Hook Boat Launch has been temporarily closed due to an accumulation of logs and debris resulting from high winds. We look forward to reopening this facility in Spring 2024.
Friday, January 12th, Updates:
City snow removal crews were activated yesterday (January 11th) and worked through the night to monitor conditions and clear City streets. Crews continue to work into the morning hours to plow, sand and salt. Road conditions have improved since last night, but continue to be icy in areas. Conditions are expected to continue to improve this morning.
City Hall will be open and services available today during normal business hours.
While our area is no longer under a Winter Weather Advisory, a Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. on Saturday.
Please dress warm and use caution if traveling today.
January 10, 2024 News Flash
With high winds, freezing temperatures and a chance of snow in the forecast, here are some important reminders on how to prepare, stay safe and remain informed.
Warming Shelters and Centers
The City is coordinating its efforts and working closely with local partners to ensure warming shelters and centers are available to those in need. The following are currently available:
Serenity House Shelter
Phone: (360) 452-7221 | Address: 2321 W 18th Street, Port Angeles WA 98363
When temperatures drop below 32 degrees for more than 8 hours, Serenity House will open 24/7 for warming. Should this facility reach max capacity, Serenity house will help to shuttle community members to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sequim for warming when necessary.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Phone: (360) 683-4862 | Address: 525 N 5th Avenue, Sequim, WA 98362
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is open and will continue to be open through the weekend from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily.
The City is also prepared to stand up a warming center at the Vern Burton Community Center, should the above sites reach capacity and temperatures fall below 20 degrees for an extended period of time. More information to come.
Food and Other Resources
Salvation Army
Phone: (360) 452-7679 | Address: 202 S Peabody St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Breakfast: 8:00-8:55am, Lunch: 12:00-12:55pm
Serenity House Shelter
Phone: (360) 452-7221 | Address: 2321 W 18th Street, Port Angeles WA 98363
Breakfast: 8:00-9:00am, Lunch: 12:30-1:30pm, Dinner: 6:30-7:30pm
The Answer for Youth (TAFY)
Phone: (360) 670-4363 | Address: 826 E 1st St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Supports youth and young families up to age 35 with a small food bank and a free clothes closet. They also have blankets, tents, and other necessities. Open Mon/Wed/Fri 3:00pm – 7:00pm and Saturdays 4:00pm – 7:00pm.
Reflections Counseling
Main Phone: (360) 452-4062 | Address: 3430 E Hwy 101, Port Angeles, WA 98362
If you or someone you know need but cannot find access to a warming shelter, the Reflections Counseling REAL Team can help. For assistance, please contact the REAL Team at (360) 912-7833.
Snow and Ice Removal
Icy street conditions and/or snow fall will initiate mobilization of de-icing, sanding and plowing equipment in accordance with the following priorities:
Priority #1: Main arterials, considered to be the minimum network kept open, which keep hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and emergency services connected.
Priority #2: Other arterial streets to complete the network covering major traffic volume streets and provide access to school and public transit routes. This also includes single access or dead-end streets and alleys that provide sole access to residences (note: this is treated on a case-by-case basis).
Priority #3: All remaining residential streets.
The City of Port Angeles has 144 miles of road to clear, limited equipment and a small number of employees available for around-the-clock snow removal operations. To help our crews clear the roadways more efficiently, please:
- Park your vehicles in driveways or parking areas off the main streets.
- To reduce the amount of snow pushed into your driveway, please pile any snow that is shoveled from your driveway to the right side of its opening (the right side is determined by standing in your driveway and looking toward the street).
- Report potholes and icy intersections to the Public Works Department at (360) 417-4800 or publicworks@cityofpa.us. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message with the information. Staff will be monitoring messages from the field.
Parks, Facility and Road Status Updates
Olympic Discovery Trail: Unfortunately, the Olympic Discovery Trail was significantly impacted by Tuesday’s high winds. Several downed trees are located between City Pier and 911 Memorial Park. The trail is completely impassible at Four Season’s Ranch; trail users are encouraged to utilize the bypass route (click here to view or download bypass route information). More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Ediz Hook Road: Due to high winds and standing water, Ediz Hook Road was closed on the morning on January 9th. The road was cleared and reopened at 7 p.m. on January 9th and continues to remain open at this time.
How You Can Prepare (and Stay Safe!)
To prepare for winter weather events:
During winter weather events:
- Be mindful of the road conditions. When roads are icy, stay home if you can. If you must drive, be sure to remove snow and ice from your vehicle and allow yourself more time to safely reach your destination.
- If you ride the bus, visit www.clallamtransit.com for rider alerts.
- Shovel snow away from sidewalks, driveways and fire hydrants, but be careful not to exert yourself.
- Check in with neighbors or family that may need a helping hand.
During periods of extremely cold weather:
- Never use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, gasoline, or propane heater while indoors. These items can start accidental fires, cause electric shock, and/or cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you or someone you know must venture outdoors, dress in layers. Covered exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Try to seek shelter from the wind as much as possible while outside. Once inside again, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet.
- To avoid frostbite, stay inside during severe cold. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include redness or pain in any skin area, while or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness.
- Be aware of hypothermia. To avoid hypothermia, dress in layers, avoid breezes and drafts indoors, eat nutritious food and drink warm drinks several times during the day. Warning signs of hypothermia include confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness and stiff muscles.
During winter storm and high wind events:
- Postpone outdoor activities if a wind advisory or high wind warning has been issued.
- Be sure your property is secure; remove dead trees, loose roofing materials and objects in yard that could blow away.
- If you are caught outside during high winds, take cover next to a building or under a shelter.
- Steer clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may block you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Use handrails where available on outdoor walkways and avoid elevated areas without adequate railings.
- Watch for flying debris.
In the event of a downed power line:
- Call for help. If you see one, please call (360) 417-4726 to report the power line and location.
- Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches.
- If a line falls on your car while driving, stay inside your vehicle. Do not touch any of the metal frames of your vehicle. Ask someone to call the police.
Stay Informed / Contact Us
During winter weather and storm events, real-time updates will be shared to the Public Works & Utilities Department Facebook Page. Find us on Facebook!
To report a power outage or downed power line, please call (360) 417-4726.
To report potholes, snow/icy road conditions, or debris in the roadway, please call (360) 417-4800 or email publicworks@cityofpa.us. (After Hours or Weekends, please call (360) 417-4726).
For all life-threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
Learn More
The City of Port Angeles will continue to monitor the weather to provide prompt response. To learn more about Winter Weather Preparedness and City response, including snow and ice removal procedures, please visit www.cityofpa.us/WinterWeather