Road crews working long shifts in Bellingham after another round of snow

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A fresh round of snow fell in Whatcom County as people are still in flood cleanup mode.

Hardware stores are having a tough time keeping up with the demand for salt, deicer and shovels.

Bellingham Public Works crews plan to be on 12-hour shifts for the next few days. The city asked residents to limit travel that is not necessary and use public transportation.

“Our crews have pretty much been going nonstop since Christmas Eve, plowing, sanding, deicing,” said Marie Duckworth with Whatcom County Public Works.

Some people reported getting as much as 5 to 6 inches of new snow in Whatcom County overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning.

Because the snow will change to rain Thursday, crews did not spread salt and sand. Instead, they are focusing on plowing and working to keep storm drains clear.

According to Public Works Assistant Director for Operations Mike Olinger, the weather could cause some potentially dangerous driving conditions.

“Unnecessary travel should be limited,” said Olinger. “There is potential for Thursday morning’s commute to be treacherous.”

Olinger said Bellingham’s fleet includes seven large sander/plows and two deicing trucks that are in use during winter weather events as needed.

Anyone heading out on roads in the area should make sure they have an emergency kit and a fully charged cellphone.

Find Bellingham’s snow removal route map here.

To report clogged drains, use the SeeClickFix tool.

©2022 Cox Media Group