Although a bit behind forecasters’ earlier schedules, snow began falling in earnest around Clark County starting around noon Thursday following a blustery morning, prompting new closures for services and organizations around the area.
Washington State University Vancouver closed at 2 p.m.
The Battle Ground Municipal Court closed at noon. The city said anyone with a court date for this afternoon should call 360-342-5150 on Monday reschedule.
C-TRAN buses are on snow routes due to adverse weather. Route 47 will not run between Battle Ground and Yacolt today, but the rest of the route will continue normally.
Weather created major delays for C-Tran Express routes in the afternoon, and the agency said some buses may not be able to return to Vancouver for some time. Affected routes include Routes 105, 134, 164 and 199. Routes 157, 177 and 190 were canceled for the day. Route 92 also experienced major delays.
C-TRAN said passengers who are able should take the TriMet MAX to Delta Park or Parkrose, then take C-TRAN Route 60 or 65 to Vancouver. Those routes continue to operate, but may be delayed due to snow and ice.
Battle Ground City Hall offices, the community center and the the police department office will close to the public at 1 p.m., though some staff will remain on duty.
Vancouver City Hall closed at 3:30 p.m.
Tonight’s Christmas Ships parades on the Columbia and Willamette rivers have been cancelled.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library district libraries in Clark County, Woodland, Goldendale and North Bonneville have been closed, and any events at those locations cancelled.
Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette’s offices in Vancouver will close at 1 p.m.
The Fort Vancouver National Trust’s volunteer recognition event at Providence Academy has been cancelled.
Educational Opportunities for Children and Families Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance programs in Clark County have cancelled today’s preschool programs.
Columbia River Mental Health Services clinic is open.
All Riverview Community Bank locations will close at 1:30 p.m.
The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington is closed.
Emergency shelters
Severe weather shelters will be operating tonight, just as they did Wednesday.
“We have a few spots left for single men, single women and couples,” said Andy Silver, executive director of the Council for the Homeless, in an email. “We are out of family spots, so we utilized motel vouchers.”
So far today, the local shelter system as been able to help everyone seeking emergency shelter. Yesterday, Share, the nonprofit organization operating homeless shelters in Clark County, opened up additional overnight shelter space at its year-round shelter family shelters, men’s shelter and day center.
Homeless people in need of shelter should call the housing hotline at 360-695-9677 before 5 p.m.
Have photos of the snow to share? Send them our way here, or at www.columbian.com/newstip.
