Severe weather protocols are not currently active.
This page is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather activations. This page was last updated on October 16, as we prepare for the cold weather season.
With cold weather just around the corner, we are planning and preparing with our partners to respond when temperatures drop and freezing precipitation occurs. View our Cold Weather Activation Thresholds here, learn about winter weather preparation from King County here, and learn more about how to prevent, spot, and treat hypothermia from Public Health – Seattle & King County here.
Click here to learn how KCRHA is preparing for the upcoming cold weather season.
Use the links below to find forecast information and year-round resources. Stay up to date on King County’s emergency status here.
Learn about the thresholds for heat and wildfire smoke, what goes into an activation, review our Severe Weather Policy.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026 – Available 8:00 am – 11:30 pm daily during severe weather activations
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location, as available.
All King County Library System (KLCS) libraries are free and open to all members of the public during their open hours and can be used as day shelter. Detailed information about each library location can be found on the KCLS website.
Click here for Seattle Public Libraries locations and hours.
General Use:
QR Code for KCRHA’s Severe Weather Response page – can be added to flyers to direct to the most up-to-date info
KCRHA Cold Weather Activation Thresholds 2025 – PDF file
How to Help During Cold Weather – Social Media Carousel (compressed file, 4 png graphics)
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations.
We are currently in the process of gathering fresh shelter and warming center information in advance of our first cold weather activation. Click here to learn how we’re preparing for cold weather, and how you may be able to help our community prepare.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations.
We are currently in the process of gathering fresh shelter and warming center information in advance of our first cold weather activation. Click here to learn how we’re preparing for cold weather, and how you may be able to help our community prepare.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
Near the county line? Click here to find Snohomish County Severe Weather Shelter options.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations.
We are currently in the process of gathering fresh shelter and warming center information in advance of our first cold weather activation. Click here to learn how we’re preparing for cold weather, and how you may be able to help our community prepare.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations.
We are currently in the process of gathering fresh shelter and warming center information in advance of our first cold weather activation. Click here to learn how we’re preparing for cold weather, and how you may be able to help our community prepare.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
This information is updated during Tier 2 and Tier 3 Severe Weather Protocol Activations.
We are currently in the process of gathering fresh shelter and warming center information in advance of our first cold weather activation. Click here to learn how we’re preparing for cold weather, and how you may be able to help our community prepare.
Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline: (206) 245-1026
Anyone can use this hotline during severe weather activations for information on shelters and navigating to shelter locations. Families with children can call to be connected with a shelter and a ride to that location.
If you need to find a day center or overnight shelter outside of an activation, please use our Regional Services Database, which will allow you to filter by a number of needs and factors to find the best option.
During the colder months, many local organizations are providing spaces and supplies to keep unhoused neighbors warm, dry, and safe from extreme weather, there are a few things you can do to help, too:
During a Severe Weather Response protocols activation, you can look at the information listed in the sections above and find organizations in your region that offer daytime or overnight shelter when protocols are not activated, you can view our Regional Services Database to find an organization near you.
- Check in with local organizations that are operating daytime drop-in centers and overnight shelter and ask if they need any donated supplies to keep their site running smoothly.
- Volunteer with an organization that provides warming or resources for unsheltered individuals in your neighborhood or city.
- Donate financially to an organization that serves your community.
- Help get the word out about resources by sharing this page, or the graphics in the “Shareable Graphics & Flyers” section above on social media.
During cold weather, you can also carry survival items like warm, dry socks, ponchos, or hand warmers to distribute to people who request help.
More Places to Warm Up & Stay Dry
Local malls (The Outlet Collection in Auburn, Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Crossroads Mall in Bellevue, and Alderwood Mall in Lynwood), libraries, and movie theaters are all good places to stay warm and dry.
King County Library System and Seattle Public Libraries: Check their website for location and hours.