Seattle mayor signs emergency proclamation ahead of cold weather

As Western Washington is anticipating snow and extremely cold temperatures over the next several days, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has signed an emergency proclamation.

With ‘rare’ cold snap forecasted, Seattle opens warming centers, prepares 24/7 road crews

The National Weather Service is predicting “dangerously cold temperatures with high struggling to reach freezing beginning Sunday through Wednesday.” Snow is also expected starting Dec. 25.

“After a year of unprecedented challenges, Seattle is facing a long duration of dangerously cold temperatures and snow. At the City, our city employees are starting 24/7 shifts to prepare for ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. For this winter weather emergency, our crews and employees are available to keep our community safe and warm, but if you don’t need to travel or gather, please don’t as we’re facing dual emergencies of COVID-19 and freezing temperatures,” Mayor Durkan said in a written release.

Read more: https://t.co/W0F6YaGo9F

— Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) December 24, 2021

The mayor also signed an emergency order to provide incentives of at least $150 for frontline workers and human service providers who will work in person and staff emergency shelters and warming centers over the holidays, and amid a surge of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant.

Forecasters agree snow is coming to the Seattle area, but when?

In addition to two previously announced shelters and warming centers, the city is opening centers at Seattle City Hall, International District/Chinatown Community Center, Magnuson Building #406, Northgate Community Center, and Rainier Beach Community Center.

Find an update on city operations here.

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