Cold weather advisory issued for Thurston County

A cold weather advisory is in effect for Thurston County because of below freezing overnight lows this week.

The advisory, which is in effect until 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

“Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure and will impact vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, pets, and those without adequate access to heating,” said the NWS in issuing the advisory.

The NWS also cautioned residents to keep pets indoors as much as possible, as well as making frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors.

“Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside,” the advisory states.

Wind chills could be as low as 15 degrees over the next couple of nights. The forecast calls for an overnight low of around 19 degrees with a light northeast wind on Tuesday evening, followed by an overnight low of 22 degrees with a northeast wind of 3-5 miles per hour on Wednesday evening, Feb. 12.

A hazardous weather advisory is also in effect for Thurston County because of the expected subfreezing overnight lows. The advisory runs from Tuesday evening through the morning of Friday, Feb. 14.

“Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OlyMAP) will be conducting outreach with emergency supplies to those without shelter,” said the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department in issuing the advisory. “Extended overnight shelter will be offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.”

Overnight emergency shelter is available at Sergio’s Place for unsheltered adults over the age of 18 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting at 8 p.m.

The shelter guest entrance for Sergio’s Place is located at 3444 Martin Way NE, Olympia. Pets are welcome. For more information, call 360-706-2287.

For families with children under the age of 18, nightly shelter is available at Pear Blossom Place, 837 7th Ave. SE, Olympia. Ring the doorbell for entrance.

People can call to sign up on weekdays starting at 9 a.m. The shelter, which is open nightly from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., can be reached at 360-918-7879.

Cold weather donations are also being accepted at OlyMAP’s office from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The office is located in the basement of First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St., Olympia.

Items needed include blankets, twin and single bed sheets, ramen, nonperishable snacks, instant coffee, creamer, hot tea, hot chocolate, disposable cups and utensils, socks, warm clothing and undergarments, hand warmers, tents, sleeping bags, tents, gloves, mittens and hats.

Other emergency shelter options are available. To view the full list, visit bit.ly/ThurstonShelters.

For more information on available shelters, call the Thurston County Shelter Hotline at 844-628-7343.