Do you see snow out the window? More is coming.
The National Weather Service in Portland predicts snow accumulation from 1 to 4 inches, and up to 4 to 6 inches in northern Clark County, by late this afternoon.
From Pe Ell to Pomeroy, forecasters say Washington will be held in winter’s grip this weekend, prompting Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a statewide state of emergency.
“Everyone in our state needs to focus on preparing for the snow and staying safe,” Inslee said in a prepared statement Friday. “Weather forecasters predict this may be a storm unlike one we’ve seen in many years. I encourage everyone to stay off the roads if possible and plan ahead if you must travel.”
The emergency proclamation directs state agencies and departments to use state resources to assist affected counties, cities and towns in an effort to respond to and recover from the winter storm.
In Southwest Washington, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning that remains in effect until 4 p.m. It’s the latest in a series of forecasts that have left many wondering just how hard the area will be hit today and in the coming week.
Forecasters say they expect widespread snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches for Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield and other lower elevation communities.
But “localized accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible, especially in the hills above 1,000 feet in elevation, near the Columbia River Gorge, as well as northern portions of Clark County,” forecasters said Friday afternoon.
For updated information, monitor www.columbian.com.
Shelters open
In preparation for the snowstorm, year-round shelters will expand capacity while some churches and community centers will offer additional overnight beds.
Living Hope Church’s chapel has been open since Tuesday, hosting roughly 90 homeless people per night. Pastor Brian Norris said the church plans to continue providing overnight shelter between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. as long as it’s freezing outside and the weather remains poor.
Living Hope, at 2533 N.E. Andresen Road, is the largest severe weather shelter and can host about 130 people. People can show up to the chapel, and do not have to call the Housing Hotline in advance.
The Washougal Community Center will be open tonight through Wednesday morning, from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. After that, Refuel Washougal and the city will reevaluate whether to remain open, said Robert Barber, chair of Refuel Washougal.
“We’re trying to be available for the most severe weather and make sure we have the volunteers necessary to safely man the shelter,” he said.
About eight people stayed at the shelter when it was open earlier this week. Barber imagines more people will show up as the temperature drops.
Dinner, breakfast and snacks will be served at the center, located at 1681 C St.
Opening the Washougal shelter prompts The Salvation Army in Washougal to open earlier as a warming center. The facility at 1612 I St. will be open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Barber said the partnership with The Salvation Army “give as much coverage as possible in cold weather.”
“It’s been wonderful to have such a great core of volunteers who make this happen,” Barber said.
The Vancouver Navigation Center at 2018 Grand Blvd., will be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The center features restrooms, showers, laundry, storage and phone-charging stations, as well as access to resources and services.
Nearby Lord’s Gym is open as an overnight shelter through Monday morning; the church will reassess Monday whether to remain open. Hours are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Those seeking shelter should enter through the parking lot entrance at 2410 Grand Blvd.
Closures, cancellations
The impending storm prompted many closures and cancellations, including today’s Miss Clark County pageant and a “Love Your Earth” event at the Water Resources Education Center.
Evergreen Public Schools called off all activities and events today and Sunday.
“This includes all school-related sports and performances, as well as outside group use of school facilities,” the school district said.
Vancouver Public Schools canceled all weekend activities, athletic events and community use of schools, as did the Camas School District. Battle Ground Public Schools announced a similar plan but said church services regularly held in the schools will go on as planned — for now.
The Hockinson School District announced that Hockinson Community Education classes and use of district facilities are canceled for the weekend. Hockinson Band master classes are also canceled.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has canceled or rescheduled district and regional sports events for teams traveling outside the area, as well as events being held within Southwest Washington, which includes boys regional wrestling at Washougal and the Columbia Empire Volleyball Association volleyball tournament at Hockinson High School.
Clark College in Vancouver suspended operations for today; all facilities are closed.
If you’re flying, check before making your way to the airport. On Friday, Alaska Airlines canceled flights today from Portland to Seattle and Portland to Spokane, according to Portland International Airport’s website.
Delta Air Lines issued a statement saying it was instituting a “winter waiver” for six Pacific Northwest airports. “The waiver allows customers traveling to, from or through the affected cities on Feb. 8 and 9, to make a one-time change to their travel plans without incurring a fee,” the airline said in a statement.
Despite a forecast lull this evening, the snow may not ease up for nearly a week. Vancouver’s seven-day forecast says snow is likely to fall intermittently through Tuesday. There is a chance of snow through Wednesday night, which is followed by a chance of rain and snow on Thursday.
An elongated area of low atmospheric pressure will continue to move through the region from Sunday to Thursday. This will create numerous chances for additional significant snow, according to the long-term section of the forecast discussion.
“Sunday night and Monday could very well be a significant snow storm for some of us … and perhaps most of us,” the discussion says, though it notes that several days “really is too far out for any kind of accurate forecast.”
