NWS warns of ‘very cold’ temps in Tacoma area. Here’s where warming centers are open

Peter Talbot
Tony Overman/toverman@theolympian.com

A winter storm that dusted the Tacoma area with snow Tuesday was expected to bring “very cold” temperatures Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. It warned that people staying outside could suffer frostbite or hypothermia.

Forecasts predicted that temperatures would hit 19 degrees by 2 a.m. Thursday, with a wind chill making it feel like 11 degrees. The low temperature was expected to be 18 degrees at 5 a.m. The weather was expected to begin to warm from there, but temps will remain below freezing throughout Thursday morning.

The weather service said the cold will especially impact vulnerable populations, including people who are homeless and those without adequate access to heating. Pets and animals kept outside also could be affected. Those looking for emergency shelter locations can find information by dialing 211.

Pierce Transit is offering free bus rides to warming centers and shelters. According to a news release, free rides will be offered through at least Dec. 24. Passengers just need to tell the driver they are traveling to or from a shelter.

Temperatures were expected to remain below freezing in Tacoma through Thursday night and into Friday morning. Forecasts predict that it will warm up Friday with a high of 40 degrees. Temperatures should remain above freezing through the weekend.

Signs of frostbite include numbness, waxy skin or a white or gray-yellow area of skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC suggests going to a warm room and putting the affected area in warm — not hot — water. Don’t rub the affected area because that can cause more damage.

Hypothermia is a more serious condition, and signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss and drowsiness, according to the CDC. In babies, symptoms are bright red, cold skin and very low energy. If the person’s temperature is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention.

Where shelters and warming centers are open:

Tacoma

  • Lighthouse Activity Center Warming Shelter: 5106 A St. Open every day for people of any age from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 24.

  • Nativity House Center: 702 S. 14th St. Serves individual men and women. Open every day 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overnight open every day 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Guests seeking an overnight stay are asked to check in with staff after 4:30 p.m. to get on the waiting list. For more information call 253-502-2780.

  • Tacoma Rescue Mission: 425 South Tacoma Way. Open only as an overnight shelter for single men and single women experiencing homelessness. The men’s shelter opens each day at 3:30 p.m. to sign up for a bed. The women’s shelter opens at 6:30 p.m. to sign up, but guests can sign up at the men’s shelter before it opens. For more info, call 253-383-4493.

Gig Harbor

Puyallup

  • South Hill Mall: 3500 S. Meridian Ave. Open Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Christmas.

  • Puyallup Public Library: 324 S. Meridian Ave. Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday noon to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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