Snow is predicted to shift to rain around the region on Friday and City crews continue to respond to impacts caused by winter weather. Due to overnight efforts and rising temperatures, arterial streets are mostly wet and slushy, allowing crews to address side streets, starting with steep streets Friday morning. Most City services will resume their normal hours and the daytime warming shelter will be open with additional hours.
Snow, slush, and ice will continue to impact travel. Most neighborhood streets, sidewalks, walkways and parking lots are still snow-covered and slippery. Limit unnecessary trips and plan extra time when traveling.
Most City services will reopen on Friday, Jan. 19, with the following exceptions:
- Arne Hanna Aquatic Center delays opening until 11 a.m. when schools are closed, check the website after 9 a.m. for full details.
- All other recreation programs are canceled.
- Restrooms at Cordata, Lake Padden and Maritime Heritage Parks remain closed due to frozen pipes and snowy conditions.
- Lake Padden Golf Course and Bayview Cemetary are closed.
- Additional services, such as building inspections, may be delayed depending on road conditions in the area.
Additionally, Sanitary Service Company (SSC) decided to suspend service for Friday due to road conditions on side streets, hills and alleys. Impacted customers have been notified and after conditions have improved these customers have a variety of ways to have their garbage, recycling and compost collected for no additional charge. Details can be found on their website.
All branches of Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom Museum Old City Hall and Lightcatcher buildings, including the Family Interactive Gallery, will be open during regular hours. Bellingham Municipal Court is also running all Court Calendars.
The daytime warming center at 1013 W. Holly will be open and staffed by Homeless Outreach Team members from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 19. Anyone who needs shelter from the cold and cannot make it to a warming shelter should call 911 for help. Please pre-arrange any donations so that staff can focus on operations. Get volunteer, donation and shelter info from the Whatcom County winter shelter page.
Rain and melting snow may cause localized flooding. Use caution if you encounter water on the roadway, obey street closure signs, do not drive around barricades and do not drive through standing water over the road even if there is not a sign. Clear storm drains to help prevent flooding if you are able.
Bellingham residents should call (360) 778-7700 or use the SeeClickFix app to report snow or flooding needs, downed trees on streets, sidewalks or other public property, and other hazardous conditions.
Any additional weather-related impacts will be shared throughout the day on the City’s social media channels.
