The first low-confidence forecast by the National Weather Service earlier this week anticipated the weekend and following days to bring the state’s coldest weather this year.
While snow is still likely in the coming week and the Cascades are set to receive a heavy blanket, temperatures have trended warmer than anticipated, according to Lewis County Emergency Management Planner Erika Katt.
“Things have warmed up a bit,” she said. “But it’s still gonna be cold.”
On Friday, Katt reported the weekend was likely to bring freezing temperatures, and potential for a mix of freezing rain and snow in Lewis County. Though, she said counties farther north are more likely to see that precipitation.
Around next Tuesday, Lewis County and other lowlands are expected to see snow and freezing rain, Katt said, adding “Tuesday and beyond it’s still really uncertain but there’s a greater chance of snow.”
The county will open official warming centers if the weather does hit those initially-predicted lows in the teens and 20s, she said.
Already, emergency management is coordinating with Lewis County Public Health & Social Services and the Salvation Army to ensure the necessary resources are available for the county’s only overnight shelter, which is located at 303 N. Gold St., Centralia.
“We are recommending that people go to public places to seek refuge. If temperatures change significantly, we will put lists out on Facebook and our website for shelters,” Katt said.
During heat waves last summer, Timberland Regional Libraries acted as county-designated cooling centers. Katt recommended those as a good place for people to seek warmth in the coming week.
For those traveling in the cold, especially through the mountain passes, emergency management recommends keeping vehicles stocked with gas, blankets, food and first aid in case drivers become stranded and need their vehicle for shelter.
Warm clothes, snow shovels, ice scrapers, boots, gloves and cellphone chargers are also recommended.
Lewis County Emergency Management’s Facebook page of the same name is updated consistently at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072464765616.
