BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Winter weather is hampering blood donations as supplies approach critical levels in Washington.

The state Dept of Health says that weather conditions caused issues in restocking blood supplies and forced blood drives to be cancelled.

Donation agencies, including Bloodworks Northwest, will issue a Code Red alert if there’s a shortage of donated blood over 4 consecutive days.

They’re urging people who are eligible to schedule an appointment to donate.

Bloodworks Northwest currently has 13,000 open appointments through the rest of this month.

Type O negative blood is the highest priority type requested, as supplies are listed at emergency levels.

You can schedule a donation appointment here.