Tacoma Closes Parks, Offers Warming Centers As Cold Continues

TACOMA, WA — Frigid temperatures and the possibility of up to three inches of snow have led to a number of closures Monday in Tacoma. As of 3:30 p.m. Monday, the National Weather reports that it is 22 degrees in Tacoma.

The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Conditions statement, 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 public works department 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.

All LRI sites are closed Monday, Pierce County said. The City of Tacoma said Monday that it is not collecting residential garbage, recycling, or food and waste Monday due to the weather. All Tacoma parks are closed Monday. Tacoma Mall closed early at 3 p.m. due to the weather. Ferries are running on a delayed and reduced schedule.

Tacoma snow plow crews began clearing secondary routes on Monday, the city said.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department closed its Bonney Lake Park and Ride, Canyon Road sites, and Cheney Stadium COVID-19 testing sites are also closed. A full list of available testing sites can be found on the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department website.

Updates will continue throughout the day on the Pierce County Public Works Facebook and Twitter pages, and the Tacoma municipal Facebook page.
Through Dec. 30, 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. The Lighthouse Activity Center and the Tacoma Rescue Mission are offering warming shelters and extended hours during the day, and Pierce Transit is offering free rides to them throughout the day.

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.