Colder temps coming, and possible snow next week in Kitsap County

Cold is coming, and possibly even snow in Kitsap County over the next week.

An incoming storm system will bring rain around Puget Sound and mountain snow Friday into Saturday, and by Sunday could bring a light dusting of snow mixed with rain in the Hood Canal region, according to the National Weather Service, though accumulation is unlikely. Heavy snow is expected in the Cascades and Olympics to start next week, and flakes may return to Kitsap on Wednesday, though there is less than a 5 percent chance there will be an inch or more.

Due to anticipated freezing weather conditions, four Kitsap County Severe Weather Shelters will open Saturday, the county announced Friday.

Severe weather shelters will open at 6 p.m. on January 6, at the Village Green Community Center, Port Orchard United Methodist Church, Gateway Fellowship in the West Wing Building and the Silverdale Community Church. The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. except as noted for the Kingston location. Guests will not be able to check into the shelter after 9 p.m. Details and rules about the severe weather shelters can be found at www.kitsapdem.com.

Wednesday night into Thursday, there is a 50 to 60 percent chance of seeing about an inch or two of snow, “but don’t expect a six-inch dump,” according a NWS forecaster in the Seattle office. Between Thursday night and Friday, chances of snow decrease.

The end of the week could bring below freezing temperatures, according to the long-range forecast. Thursday is predicted to see a low of 29 degrees, and Friday’s low could drop to around 22 degrees – a pattern which will continue into the weekend.

The status of severe weather shelters across the county may be monitored at Kitsap Severe Weather Shelter Status in the coming days.

Kitsap County residents should prepare for the cold and possibly snowy weather by winterizing their homes, according to NWS. Residents should make sure their outdoor faucets are covered, their hoses are emptied, their irrigation systems are drained and their vehicles are stowed inside if possible.

More emergency preparedness tips from Kitsap County are available on the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Preparedness website.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Snow and cold weather incoming next week in Kitsap County