Kitsap News Sources
As the snow continues to fall Thursday afternoon, county officials ask residents to avoid driving if possible. In some areas, as much as 8 inches of snow has accumulated.
Roads throughout the county are covered with compact snow and ice. The forecast calls for continuing snow this afternoon with colder temperatures to follow, creating ideal conditions for treacherous roads.
County road crews are working 12-hour shifts to combat the snow and ice.
“The continuing snow makes it difficult to get ahead of the storm,” according to Don Schultz, county road superintendent. “We’re focusing our attention on the primary roads today and tonight, and hope to get to secondary roads sometime tomorrow.”
County offices were closed today because of road conditions.
Temperatures dropped to the upper 20s overnight, freezing any moisture on the road left from yesterday’s milder afternoon weather.
Kitsap County uses 24 large trucks equipped for sanding and plowing,
and has eight smaller trucks used for targeted snow removal operations.
Crews plow according to the established priority snow plan.
The complete snow and ice control policy, along with a map that
identifies primary and secondary routes, is available at www.kitsapgov.com/pw/snowplow.htm.
“Crews follow our priority plowing plan and are aware that all roads need plowed during winter storm events,” according to Doug Bear,
Public Works spokesperson. “Calling Public Works to say your road
needs plowed does not usually result in a deviation from that plan.
It’s important to clear the roads that move the most traffic first.”
They are currently working on primary arterials, and will remain on
those roads most of the day. Once arterials are clear, they move to
secondary roads. That should happen later today or early this evening.
After primary and secondary road are cleared crews start snow and ice removal operations on residential and local access roads.
All road closures are posted to The Road Report (www.kitsapgov.com/roadwork.htm) and are updated as information becomes available. Residents who sign up for The Road Report receive regular updates via e-mail during inclement weather and storms.
