Winter Weather Advisory

The Northwest Healthcare Response Network (NWHRN) Healthcare Emergency Coordination Center has released the following winter weather advisory:

Situation Background:

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports an extremely active period of weather will begin in earnest today as the region will see heavy mountain snow, lowland rain, strong winds, and possible coastal flooding through midweek. Another cold front will push southward out of Canada late Wednesday into Wednesday night followed by cooler conditions for the latter half of the week and an increasing chance for light lowland snow. Increases in the 1″ snowfall probabilities for Friday (1/12) in the lowlands. NWS notes “cooler weather [is] likely through Wednesday” and “confidence is low but increasing in colder temperatures from Thursday through next weekend.” NWS also states, “the potential for very cold temperatures does exist” and “snow levels will also lower Thursday through the weekend, bringing the potential of periods of lowland snow.” We have heard reports of snow throughout many parts of Western WA in the current system has brought isolated light lowland snow before turning to rain primarily to the Hood Canal area and from Everett northward.

Current Advisories

Monday-Wednesday: Precipitation will increase in coverage and intensity today as this front moves overhead with lowland rain and moderate to heavy snow (primarily heavy in the mountains). Snow levels will quickly jump above pass level late this evening into tonight, leading to a transition to a mix of rain and snow. Later tonight, a very strong low-pressure system will develop and move across Vancouver Island. The front, associated with this low, will move into Western Washington late tonight into early Tuesday morning bringing a wide array of hazards including continued heavy lowland rain, and high winds.

Tuesday: A Wind Advisory has been issued for Tuesday from 4AM – 10 PM. Peak wind gusts across W WA could range from 45 to 50 mph. Infrequent gusts to 50+ mph across W WA and near coastal areas into the higher terrain are possible. Snow-covered roads and travel delays possible across the Cascade and Olympic passes. The heaviest snow is expected to fall on Tuesday, which coincides with likely Blizzard conditions across the passes with strong winds. Expect very difficult travel conditions and temporary pass closures possible due to incidents.

Coastal areas into the foothills: Coastal Areas will see several impacts due to the wind as seas will reach >25 feet swells. Minor tidal overflow starting through the San Juans and Whidbey on the west side while other places may only have a higher tide. Currently we are seeing the highest tides of the year so this will add to the level. Also, a thunderstorm will bring hail and lightning across W WA with lightning being the major concern there. Expecting 1-2 inches in the lowlands, 3-5 in the Olympics, 4-5 in Cascades during the period when snowfall is higher. A flood watch for Mason County and King County, although King County is low probability. Snowmelt that happens over next 48 hours increases landslide potential, with a marginal threat in the typical places.

Moderate to heavy snow at times Monday through Wednesday. Overall, 3-day snowfall accumulations on the order of 3+ feet are possible at and below pass level. 3-day snow accumulations at higher elevations could exceed 4 to 5 feet. The avalanche hazard is expected to rise during this winter storm. Dangerous avalanche conditions will likely develop, including the potential for natural and human-caused avalanches. Check the avalanche forecast at http://www.nwac.us for the latest information on backcountry conditions.

Thursday and Beyond: By Thursday afternoon winds will shift to coming out of the northwest and bring with it colder air. Current thinking is that winds will shift to out of the north sometime mid-day on Thursday. Temperatures will begin to plummet from the mid 30’s (on Thursday afternoon) to the mid 20’s by Friday morning. Once temps drop below freezing (sometime late Thursday night), they will stay below freezing for at least the next 48 hours. During that time, windchills will be in the mid-teens to 20 degrees.

Any precipitation that falls after Thursday afternoon will be a rain/snow mix, before turning to all snow by Friday morning. By Friday morning, there will be a 20-40% chance of seeing minor impacts around Seattle. Minor impacts are characterized as winter driving conditions with few inconveniences to daily life. Very light snow accumulations are possible starting on Friday afternoon. Details on accumulation amounts and timing will be shared in updates later this week.

Recommended Actions for Healthcare:

NWHRN recommends our healthcare partners review mitigation strategies for this type of event including, but not limited to:

Review critical system vulnerabilities.
Review Patient Surge and Facility Emergency Preparedness Plan(s).
Implement strategies to mitigate winter weather and support vulnerable populations/employees.
Communicate risks to patients/residents/families.
Monitor weather conditions.
Share findings or challenges with the NWHRN team and/or other regional partners, for awareness.

NWHRN Winter Advisories and Related Information:

For winter weather, click here for our Winter Weather Resources flyer, which includes winter preparedness information and links for utility and transportation resources to help facilities and staff be prepared and informed.

Below are links to information to help you prepare, get information, and stay informed personally and in your organization.

DOH Cold Weather Guide:

Cold Weather Guide on the DOH website, with resources to help partners share health and safety information about cold weather.

DOH Emergency Preparedness for Professionals:

NWHRN Actions:

The NWHRN Duty Officer will remain available and will continue monitoring throughout our service area. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the Duty Officer at [email protected] or 425-988-2897.

Posted in AB Members, Assisted Living, Association Updates, Enhanced Services Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities

Washington Health Care Association