Winter Weather
Inclement weather includes snow and ice. The City will provide resources and updates on this page for weather events related to snow and ice.
Updated Weather Reports
Details for updated weather reports are available on the City website's homepage under News & Events (scroll down).
Follow the City on Facebook for Updates
Prepare for Cold Weather
Prepare your faucets for freezing temperatures to prevent frozen pipes
Cold water tips for water customers
Road Closures
- Sanding and snow removal priorities are listed on the Snow Removal Map.
- Details for road closures are listed below. This list will be updated as road conditions change.
- Please be careful and check road conditions before leaving home.
- Do not drive closely behind snow plows or sanders.
The update for Friday, December 23 is the Streets Division is de-icing since midnight and has dispersed 9 batches of de-icer. Storm Drain Division is preparing for potential flooding after everything melts. Please remove snow and ice from storm drains.
Warming Shelter
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 555 SE Regatta Drive in Oak Harbor. Contact the Church for more information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Michele Chapman at 360-929-0281.
City Offices
- City Hall is open and will close early at 3:30 pm on both Thursday, December 22, and Friday, December 23.
Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Service Impacts
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste service impacts will be listed below:
The Solid Waste Division is operating normally. They are caught up except for a few streets on hills.
Oak Harbor Public Schools
Visit the school district website for updates.
Transit
Island Transit
Check Rider Alerts for updates on routes and schedule changes.
Washington State Ferries
Updated as information is received from Washington State Ferries.
Oak Harbor Library
The library opens at 11 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, according to their website at sno-isle.org, please follow for updates.
Tips and Tricks
Be Winter Ready - Know Before You Go
Add these items to your car before you travel in the winter:
- Cellphone charger
- Full tank of gas
- Snow shovel, ice scraper
- Water and snacks
- Warm clothes, boots, and gloves
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
Dress for Cold Weather
Staying Warm
- Provide three feet of space between any items that can burn and heaters (space heaters/portable), stoves, and fireplaces.
- Always keep space heaters/portable heaters at least three feet away from walls.
- Use the proper fuel for liquid-fuel heaters and you must properly vent the area. Only refill them in a well-ventilated area when they are cool.
- Confirm the type of space heater you use is legal in your area and bears the label of an independent testing laboratory.
- Keep fireplace fires small and use a fireplace screen at all times to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Do not leave children alone in a room with a fireplace fire. Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace; burning paper can float up your chimney and onto your roof or into your yard. Remove ashes in a metal container and store them outside.
- Never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors. The fumes are deadly.
Staying Safe
- If you must drive, make sure your car is ready. Carry chains or other traction devices and be prepared to put them on. Make sure windows are clear and the snow is removed from the entire car.
- Plan your route and review the priority snow plow route before going out.
- Dress in layers to stay warm and keep clothing dry. Wear a hat to prevent loss of body heat.
Snow Removal
- Prevent flooding by using a shovel to safely clear snow and ice from neighborhood storm drains.
- Clear snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, and driveways with a shovel or de-icer.