Winter Weather
City Response
During snow and ice events, the Operations & Maintenance staff works on a 24-hour schedule, using 12-hour shifts. The City has a Snow and Ice Control Plan that includes priority streets for response. The crews focus first on the main roads then neighborhood streets. We understand that everyone would like their streets plowed, and we ask for your patience. If you have a request for road maintenance during the storm, please send a message through the City's SeeClickFix application or call O&M at 206-842-1212. Your request will be logged and we will respond when resources are available. Please remember that main arterial roads, secondary collector roads, and critical utility services are prioritized before other areas.
In addition, keeping sidewalks free from snow, ice, and other obstructions is the responsibility of the person or entity whose property abuts the sidewalk per BIMC 12.08. Only sidewalks on or abutting City property are maintained by City crews during snow and ice operations.
How You Can Help
- Clear snow and ice from your sidewalks
- Know the Snow and Ice Control Plan map
- Monitor traffic conditions
- Register for Nixle: The City uses Nixle for its emergency notifications to advise subscribers of road closures, downed power lines or other emergent issues. Sign up here.
- Like us on Facebook (not monitored 24/7)
- Follow us on Twitter (not monitored 24/7)
Road Closures
During inclement weather, road closures will be shared through Nixle and on Kitsap County's road report here.
Power Outages
People should follow updates from Puget Sound Energy regarding the status of power outages.
Severe Weather Shelters
The City of Bainbridge Island is prepared to operate our severe weather shelter at the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center, as needed, this winter. Additional shelters may be open, as needed, at Bethany Lutheran Church, St. Barnabas, and/or Seabold United Methodist Church.
Our severe weather shelters are opened if we have an extended power outage (expected for more than 4 hours) during forecasted weather at or below 32 degrees.
When activated, the shelters operate from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. Guests cannot check into the shelter after 8 p.m. If no guests have checked into a shelter location by 8 p.m. that location closes for the evening.
The Severe Weather Shelters serve anyone in our area who requires safe overnight refuge when hazardous weather conditions are expected. Activations are weather dependent. Dial 2-1-1, visit 211.org or text KITSAPSWS to 898-211 to get the latest information about severe weather shelters in Kitsap County and details on how to receive text message notifications when the shelters open.
If you or someone you know are in need of overnight shelter, the City can assist with transportation. Please contact Emergency Manager Anne LeSage at alesage@bainbridgewa.gov to arrange.
City of Bainbridge Island Facility Delays & Closures Due to Inclement Weather
The City of Bainbridge Island carefully evaluates conditions before deciding to delay the opening of City facilities (including City Hall, the Municipal Court, and Police administration) or close them entirely. Given that 70% of our workforce commutes from off-island, we consider the following factors:
- Current and forecasted weather conditions
- Road conditions across Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County
- Kitsap County school delays or closures
- Safety of employees and the public
Overnight Weather Events
When winter weather occurs overnight, City Public Works crews begin assessing road conditions around 3:00 a.m.
We also communicate with school districts, other Kitsap County agencies, and monitor weather forecasts. If conditions warrant a change, adjustments to City facility schedules will be made.
How and When We Notify Staff & the Public
- If a decision is made to delay opening, close facilities, or close early, we begin alerting staff by 6:00 a.m.
- Early notifications are crucial, as many employees live off-island or have childcare responsibilities impacted by school closures.
- Updates will be shared via the City’s website, social media channels, and local news outlets as soon as possible.
Emergency Services: Bainbridge Island Police and Public Works crews will continue operating as necessary to maintain safety on Island roads.
Please stay informed and check for updates before traveling. Stay safe!