Kitsap County has a moderate marine climate. But, storm activity involving rain, extreme heat, wind, snow, and ice does affect the county. Severe weather can happen any time, with or without notice. Damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding can happen during thunderstorms. Winter storms can bring freezing rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds. Lightning storms and hail storms are less frequent but do occur. Based on a recent assessment of Kitsap County, severe storms are rated a moderate risk hazard.
What is KCDEM doing to address severe storms?
The Kitsap Department of Emergency Management (KCDEM) works with the Kitsap County Department of Health & Human Services on storm emergencies. Projects include:
- Encourage the public sector to prepare. Residents should have at least 14 days of emergency supplies, though 30 days would be better. Learn more.
- Reduce the risk of casualties due to lost or reduced 911 and Emergency Operations Center capabilities. Buy an emergency generator with backup failover uninterruptible power supply.
- Help activate the Severe Weather Shelter Program during extreme cold weather. Help activate local cooling stations during extreme hot weather. Learn more.
Want to learn more about mitigation efforts for severe storms? Read the 2019 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF). Severe storm information begins on page 130. You can also contact KCDEM via email for details.
Severe Weather Shelters open November 8, 2022
Due to anticipated freezing weather conditions, four Kitsap County Severe Weather Shelters are open Tuesday, March 8. Additionally, special measures are being taken at the [...]
Ten Cooling Centers open July 29 & 30
This period of hot weather which started Tuesday will make heat related illness possible--especially in those people for whom it is difficult to escape the [...]
Five KCDEM Cooling Centers open July 27
This period of hot weather starting Tuesday will make heat related illness possible--especially in those people for whom it is difficult to escape the heat. [...]
Helpful Links
- National Weather Service Seattle (source: NWS)
- Kitsap County Inclement Weather (source: Kitsap County)
- Kitsap County Severe Weather Shelters (source: KC Health & Human Services)
- Prepare for local disasters
- Learn about local programs
- 7 Day Forecast for Bremerton, WA (Source: National Weather Service)
- Washington Climate Outlook (source: WA State Climatologist )
