Wild weather happens

Center News

With a warmer, wetter-than-normal winter forecast, keep the hotline number handy

Photo by Bruce Busby It is the policy for the Center to remain open during inclement weather, except under the most extreme conditions. Updates on the Center's status are available on the Emergency Information Hotline and Web site.

Moderated by the Pacific Ocean, Northwest weather climate is generally mild. However, from October to April, inclement weather happens — in the form of snow, ice, and strong winds above 45 mph and/or heavy rain. These conditions can produce power outages, closures, traffic delays, hazardous road conditions, wind damage, flooding and landslides, and they have the potential for disrupting Center operations.

The National Weather Service has released its long-term forecast for the October through December, and is calling for slightly increased odds of warmer and wetter than normal winter conditions. In addition, we should see highly variable weather patterns, with significant events, like extreme flooding, high winds and lowland snow, all possible this winter. Staff should prepare to deal with these events should they occur.

The policy for the Center is to remain open during inclement weather, except under the extreme conditions. You should assume the Center is open unless the Emergency Information Hotline, (888) 667-2020, or Emergency Information Web Site, http://status.fhcrc.org, indicates otherwise. Updates regarding the Center status will appear by 5 a.m. daily on the hotline and the Web site.

Certain "essential service" areas — such as patient care, maintenance, security and animal health resources — may have to remain operational even under extreme weather conditions. Such staff must report to work on regular workdays when the facility is closed, and supervisors should start the discussion on workday requirements now.

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