WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – Whatcom County residents could find themselves snowed in a bit longer than usual this winter.
The county Public Works Department says it has a severe shortage of licensed, qualified and experienced snow plow drivers.
The department typically has 52 drivers ready to hit the road during a storm but is down to 27 due to retirements, high demand for heavy equipment operators in other industries and pandemic-related training limitations.
Nine new employees are currently being licensed but the department says they’ll need lots of practice and experience before they’re ready to take on the drifts.
Residents should expect road clearing to take longer, especially on secondary routes.
And they should stock up on supplies and be prepared to stay home during extended storms.