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Extreme Cold
Winter in the Pacific Northwest can bring cold temperatures, snow, ice, freezing rain, and high winds.
In cold weather, we are more at risk for hypothermia, frostbite, getting hurt in car collisions, and other injuries.
Learn how to stay safe, healthy, and warm during winter storms.
Click here to view current air quality if graphic does not load.
Checking Air Quality
For current air quality conditions in Kitsap County, go to:
For updates on wildfire activity and smoke forecasts, visit the Washington Smoke Information blog
Health Hazards
For information on how to stay safe and healthy during some of the most likely hazards we see or will likely experience in Kitsap County, check out the links below.
Visit the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management website to learn more about local disaster preparedness and sign up for alerts. More resources are available at Ready.gov.
Prepare for Cold Weather
Dress for cold weather by wearing:
Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, and warm clothing
A hat and mittens that are snug at the wrist
Something to cover your mouth (like a scarf) to protect your lungs
Stay dry and out of the wind.
Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, dress warm and make sure to not overexert yourself.
Bring all pets inside and make sure their water does not freeze.
Protect your pipes! During cold weather, your water pipes can freeze and break. Learn how to protect your water pipes to avoid damage to your home and costly repairs.
Keep your home warm with good insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
Watch the weather forecast using your favorite local news source or weather.gov.
A Winter Storm Warning is announced when hazardous winter weather (like heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet) is expected or happening now.
A Winter Storm Watch alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet.
A Winter Storm Advisory is announced when snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, or sleet causes safety concerns. This weather could be dangerous if people are not careful.
Frostbite & Hypothermia
Staying out in extreme cold can cause serious health issues, like frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite
Frostbite happens when your body tissue starts to freeze. It's most likely to happen to your fingers, toes, ears, and nose during freezing temperatures.
Symptoms include:
Numbness or a loss of feeling
Yellow or pale appearance
Firm or waxy skin
If you feel the symptoms of frostbite, slowly warm up your skin using body heat or warm water. Do not use hot water, a heating pad, or direct heat from a fire or stove.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when your body temperature falls below 95°F.
Symptoms include:
Shivering
Confusion
Memory loss
Sleepiness
Difficulty speaking
Stiff muscles.
If you feel the symptoms of hypothermia, go into a warm room or take a warm bath. Remove any wet clothing. Wrap yourself in dry, warm blankets.
Severe Weather Shelters
Kitsap County's severe weather shelter program provides safe warm beds to stay overnight for people in need during severe weather events November through March at three locations in Port Orchard, Silverdale and Kingston.
The shelters will open if:
Temperatures are expected to be at or below 32°F for four or more hours and/or:
Snow accumulation is expected to be at least one inch for more than two days and/or:
There are two or more days of one inch or more of rain.
Shelters may also activate when high wind warnings are issued.
To find out if the severe weather shelters are open, call 211 or get text alerts by texting KITSAPSWS to 898-211.
Driving in Cold Weather
Use extra caution when driving in the ice and snow. If possible, stay indoors and avoid driving. If you do have to drive somewhere, make sure to drive safely and prepare your vehicle for emergencies.
Drive Safely
Check road conditions before driving. Visit the Kitsap County or the Washington State Department of Transportation webpage for road alerts.
Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, and heater/defroster before driving.
Drive slow and increase your following distance from the cars in front of you.
Watch for black ice. Black ice can be hard to see and leaves the road very slippery, making it dangerous to drive, bike, or walk across.
Do not drive too close to a snow plow. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, allow plenty of room and, if possible, avoid passing the plow.
If you are stuck in the snow on the road, stay in the car and don’t overexert yourself. Make sure your car is visible by keeping the interior lights on and using bright, reflective markers from your car emergency kit.
Learn more at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Pack Emergency Car Supplies
Be prepared and have an emergency kit in your car at all times, including:
A snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your car gets stuck in the snow
Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
First aid kit
Blankets and a warm jacket
A power bank (portable charger)
Water, food, and any necessary medicine
Using a Generator During a Power Outage
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Follow your generator's instructions carefully.
Don't overload your generator.
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages. Using these appliances inside can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can cause it to catch fire.
More Resources
Winter Weather | Ready.gov
Weather Disasters | Kitsap Department of Emergency Management
Winter | National Weather Service - Winter
Bainbridge Island Winter Weather Transportation | Bainbridge Prepares
Data: Air Quality & Asthma Visits to Kitsap Emergency Departments
Data: Temperature & Heat Related Visits to Emergency Departments
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