Gig Harbor Civic Center Closed Amid Freezing Temperatures, Snow

GIG HARBOR, WA — Frigid temperatures and the possibility of even more snow have led to a number of closures Monday in Bonney Lake and Sumner. As of 11:30 a.m. Monday, the National Weather reports that it is 19 degrees in Gig Harbor.

The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Conditions statement for Gig Harbor and much of western Washington, warning of “accumulating snowfall, bitterly cold temperatures and gusty winds will affect the western U.S. and northern Plains into tonight.”

Pierce County Public Works said that it will be running a 24-hour operation with 28 snow plows on primary snow routes, six trucks to assist with isolated incidents, and three motor grade workers for high-elevation areas. The Washington State Department of Transportation also said it is operating 100 plows on 12-hour shifts across the area.

Pierce County said that on Sunday night and Monday morning, it applied a solid de-icer to main snow plow routes, and will monitor the roads for 24 hours. Delays are reported on Rte. 16. Check here for traffic conditions and closures.

All LRI sites are closed Monday, Pierce County said.

The Gig Harbor Civic Center, including the GHPD administrative office, are closed Monday due to inclement weather. Tacoma Community College has also closed its Tacoma and Gig Harbor campuses Monday, the school said on Twitter. The Peninsula School District is already closed for winter break.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department closed its Bonney Lake Park and Ride, Canyon Road, and Cheney Stadium COVID-19 testing sites are also closed.

Gig Harbor has set up a temporary shelter for residents of Gig Harbor and Fox Island in need of overnight shelter starting Sunday. Anyone who needs a place to stay can call the Gig Harbor Police at 253-851-2236. Anyone who needs a warm place during the day can stay at the Key Peninsula Civic Center at 171010 S. Vaughn Road in Vaughn.

Through Dec. 31, a number of local shelters in Tacoma and Puyallup are expanding overnight capacity. A full list can be seen on the Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness website.

Snow of less than half an inch is expected to accumulate Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will inch up Tuesday, with a high near 31, calm winds, and a 20 percent chance of snow.

Residents are advised to stay home if possible. Anyone driving is advised to slow down, allow extra time, clear snow off windows, and put extra distance between the vehicle in front.
Washington State Police said that on Sunday, troopers responded to 166 collisions in Pierce and Thurston counties.

Updates will continue throughout the day on the Pierce County Public Works Facebook and Twitter pages.