Cleanup continues after snowstorm and ice cause havoc
January 24, 2012
State Route 900 remains barricaded at midafternoon Jan. 20 to motorists wanting to go southbound past Northwest Talus Drive, a day after a downed tree blocked access to the urban village. By Greg Farrar
In the days after a snowstorm pummeled the region, blackout chased whiteout, as residents uneasy about thorny commutes and missed meetings instead confronted sinking temperatures and toppling trees — all sans electricity.
The major snowstorm dropped 3 to 6 inches across the Issaquah area Jan. 18, but the struggle started the next day, as a rare ice storm led to widespread power outages and caused trees to send ice- and snow-laden branches earthward.
The harsh conditions tested road crews, prompted spinouts and fender benders around the region, and led officials to cancel school for almost a week.
“It was like a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 punch,” Bret Heath, city Public Works Operations and emergency management director, said Jan. 23, as cleanup efforts continued. “For awhile there, I wasn’t sure if we were ever going to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Crews restore power to some Issaquah residents, but others wait
January 20, 2012
NEW — 6 p.m. Jan. 20, 2012
Puget Sound Energy crews had restored power to many Issaquah neighborhoods by early Friday evening, but large swaths remained in the dark as workers race to restore power across the region.
Downtown residents reported power coming back just after 5:30 p.m. Crews restored power for residents in some areas, including the Issaquah Highlands, late Thursday.
Puget Sound Energy estimated 8,876 customers in Issaquah without power early Friday evening — down from about 18,000 customers without power midday Thursday. Crews continue to work on restoring power to the areas left in the dark.
Still, despite the success, officials remained concerned about the possibility of additional weather challenges in the days ahead.
In Issaquah, power outage, travel headaches continue for another day
January 20, 2012
Rodney Amburgey, a lineman with City Pacific Services contracted to Puget Sound Energy, works Jan. 20 to secure a broken and dangling utility pole crossbeam at Southeast May Valley Road and 231st Place Southeast. By Greg Farrar
NEW — 6:30 a.m. Jan. 20, 2012
Though the forecast calls for temperatures to inch upward Friday, effects from a major snowstorm and rare ice storm continue to impact Issaquah residents.
Puget Sound Energy estimated 11,235 customers remained without power in Issaquah at 6:10 a.m. — a drop from the more than 18,000 left in the dark Thursday. Difficult road conditions continue to challenge motorists on city streets and roads in unincorporated King County.
City road crews continue to focus on maintaining priority routes and removing downed trees from the roadway. Numerous roads in Issaquah and nearby areas closed Thursday due to fallen trees and downed power lines.
Downed trees prompt state Route 900, Southeast 56th Street road closures
January 19, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. Jan. 19, 2012
Downed trees and power lines prompted road closures on state Route 900 in Issaquah and rural King County early Thursday morning.
Crews responded a downed tree and power lines before 7:50 a.m. between Northwest Talus Drive and the southern city limits. The stretch between the access road to the Talus urban village and the city line remains closed as Puget Sound Energy crews tend to the downed tree.
Outside city limits, in rural King County, the state Department of Transportation said state Route 900 is closed at Southeast May Valley Road due to a downed tree.
In Issaquah, Southeast 56th Street from 229th Avenue Southeast to East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast is closed due to downed power lines.
The closures came as ice weighted down trees and power lines, contributing to road closures and power outages throughout the region.
PSE reported more than 12,000 customers in the Issaquah area without power at 9:55 a.m.
Crews continue snow removal on Issaquah streets as flood concern rises
January 19, 2012
NEW — 5 a.m. Jan. 19, 2012
City road crews labored throughout the night and morning to remove snow and treat Issaquah streets, as officials and residents prepare for another day of snow-snarled commutes.
Roads remain open and snowplows continue to focus on Priority 1 routes — important arteries and access to hillside communities. Crews intend to address side streets as conditions allow. (Officials divide streets into priority levels for snow removal.)
Officials canceled all programs at the Issaquah Community Center and Julius Boehm Pool for Thursday. Call 837-3300 or go to the city website for updates on possible drop-in hours.
Expect rain and snow before 10 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures should rise into the upper 30s throughout the day. More rain and snow is expected Thursday night.
Roads remain open as snow covers Issaquah, more lingers in forecast
January 18, 2012
Snow blankets downtown Issaquah on Wednesday morning as a King County Metro Transit bus heads north along Front Street South. By Kathleen R. Merrill
NEW — 9:15 a.m. Jan. 18, 2012
Snowfall greeted Issaquah residents Wednesday morning, as a less-severe-than-predicted snowstorm still left deep snow in local neighborhoods, especially areas at higher elevations.
Snow blankets region, but officials report few headaches — so far
January 17, 2012
Snow blanketed Issaquah and the Puget Sound region Jan. 15 and 16, as officials and residents prepared for more challenging conditions in the days ahead.
The potential for more snow — plus flooding as the snow melted — reminded emergency planners to gird for harsh La Niña conditions, albeit later in the season than expected.
“It’s going to be pretty messy in the next couple of days,” said Johnny Burg, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Seattle. “People should just pay attention to the forecast.”
Eastside Fire & Rescue reminds motorists to prepare for icy roads
December 7, 2011
NEW — 6 a.m. Dec. 7, 2011
The cold is causing a challenge for motorists as ice forms on roads and Eastside Fire & Rescue crews respond to motorists crashing, spinning out or landing in ditches.
The conditions make for icy and slick roads across the emergency response agency’s service area. EFR serves Issaquah, Sammamish and North Bend, plus areas in unincorporated King County.
EFR reminds motorists to learn how to navigate and maneuver in inclement weather conditions, such as snow and ice. Driving safely by slowing down under these conditions is essential to staying safe behind the wheel. The agency recommends the following safety tips:
- If cars behind you tailgate during bad weather conditions, pull over and let them pass.
- Having a front-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle is not a guarantee it can handle icy roads.
- Avoid using cruise control if driving on icy roads.
- Stay alert, and refrain from talking on a cellphone while driving, even with a hands-free device.
- Slow down and allow some distance between you and the car in front of you.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Most of all, if you do not have to be out in the elements, stay home.
Use caution on roads as soggy conditions continue
November 23, 2011
NEW — 4 p.m. Nov. 23, 2011
Rain is expected to continue on Thanksgiving and through the holiday weekend.
King County Road Services Division officials reminded motorists to watch for road closures due to flooding or blockages. Motorists should use caution on the road, and monitor the latest road closure information before heading out. Never drive around barricades or through standing water.
King County remains under a flood watch as officials monitor flood-prone rivers. Issaquah Creek flooding is not expected to occur.
National Weather Service meteorologists said rain is expected during the day on Thanksgiving and Friday. Black Friday shoppers can encounter soggy conditions before 10 a.m.
More rain is in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
Issaquah residents urged to prepare amid King County flood watch
November 21, 2011
NEW — 5 p.m. Nov. 21, 2011
King County is under a flood watch as a precipitation-laden system barrels into Western Washington, and Issaquah residents should prepare for localized flooding as rain and wind pelt the area.
The flood watch is in effect until through late Wednesday night. Expect 2 to 4 inches of rainfall Monday night and Tuesday as the snow level rises to about 6,000 feet, and then another 1 to 3 inches Tuesday night and Wednesday as the snow level gradually dips to about 3,000 feet.
National Weather Service meteorologists in Seattle said any flooding related to the system is expected to be minor.
In addition, a wind advisory is in effect through noon Tuesday.
Bret Heath, city Public Works Operations and emergency management director, said leaves dislodged from trees by rain and wind could also clog storm drains and lead to flooding along city streets.
Issaquah Creek flooding is not expected to pose a major problem in the days ahead.
