Crews prepare for wintry conditions as mercury drops
January 10, 2013
NEW — 6 p.m. Jan. 10, 2013
Issaquah, King County and state road crews prepared for snow Thursday, as forecasters urged caution on roads, and rain threatened to turn to snow and create icy morning commutes Friday.
The city placed public works crews on standby Thursday to prepare for possible road hazards related to the winter weather.
King County prepared for a beefed-up response to ice and snow. Overnight, ice buildup on already-damp roadways is a concern for road crews.
The county put extra crews on the road for response, and as many as 12 trucks could remain on duty throughout the night. In addition to anti-icing operations, crews sand roads and plow slush or snow as necessary.
How school officials know when to call a snow day
January 1, 2013
All roads come under consideration during winter weather
Issaquah School District buses line up on a snow day. Contributed
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast for a drier-than-normal winter in the Pacific Northwest is good news for local schools, but just in case, Jo Porter and her transportation staff are prepared.
Issaquah milestones from 2012 reflect challenges, changes
December 25, 2012
Backhoes from Santana Trucking & Excavating dig June 26 at the southeast corner of the intersection of Northeast High Street and Highlands Drive Northeast, as construction starts on the Issaquah Highlands retail center. By Greg Farrar
Challenges — whether economic, political or social — defined the year.
Snow causes few disruptions for Issaquah residents
December 25, 2012
Snow crept into forecasts in recent days, but aside from a dusting in higher-elevation neighborhoods and a delay for Issaquah School District students, winter weather did not cause significant disruptions in the area.
In response to slushy conditions on roads and some snowfall overnight, school district administrators delayed the start of school two hours Dec. 18. The day before, as forecasters issued a winter weather advisory for Western Washington, Issaquah and King County road crews prepared for snow.
Regional winter weather advisory remains in effect
December 18, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. Dec. 18, 2012
Issaquah and other areas throughout Western Washington remain under a winter weather advisory until noon Tuesday, as snow lingers in the forecast.
National Weather Service meteorologists issue a winter weather advisory for a variety of conditions, such as freezing rain and snow occurring at the same time. Though the conditions pose risks, the advisory means life-threatening winter weather is not expected.
Meteorologists said conditions exist for lowland snow showers as temperatures hover in the 30s and snow levels remain only a few hundred feet above sea level. The chance of snow is expected to decrease Tuesday morning as temperatures increase into the upper 30s and low 40s.
Issaquah schools to start late Tuesday due to slushy roads
December 18, 2012
NEW — 6:30 a.m. Dec. 18, 2012
Issaquah School District campuses plan to open two hours later than usual Tuesday, as district administrators responded to slushy conditions throughout the area.
The snow route travel conditions mean the district cancelled several programs at all Issaquah schools, such as before-school activities, including school-age care, Headstart, morning and afternoon preschool, morning and afternoon kindergarten, and out-of-district routes. The district said full-day kindergarten starts two hour late.
Other programs continue as regularly scheduled. Changes to field trips and after-school activities get determined by each school. Check with schools for decisions about field trips and after-school activities.
The district is also operating school buses on snow routes, and some bus stops should shift. Check the district’s emergency transportation brochure for more information.
Issaquah, King County road crews start snow watch as mercury dips
December 17, 2012
NEW — 10 p.m. Dec. 17, 2012
Issaquah and King County road crews prepared for the possibility of snow late Monday, as forecasters issued a winter weather advisory for Western Washington.
Meteorologists said conditions exist for lowland snow showers overnight as temperatures drop into the low 30s and snow levels sink to only a few hundred feet above sea level. The chance of snow is expected to decrease Tuesday morning as temperatures increase into the upper 30s and low 40s.
National Weather Service meteorologists in Seattle said snow showers could occur overnight in Issaquah. Snow accumulation of less than 1 inch is possible. The chance of precipitation is 70 percent.
Snow is possible before 10 a.m. Tuesday, followed by a chance of rain between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The snow level is expected to reach 400 feet. Snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
King County Metro Transit urges riders to prepare for snow
December 17, 2012
NEW — 10 p.m. Dec. 17, 2012
Snow is in the forecast overnight and into the morning commute Tuesday, so King County Metro Transit is reminding bus riders to plan ahead for getting around during winter weather — especially since many changes occurred on bus routes earlier in the fall.
Though major snow accumulation is not expected, riders should plan ahead, because minor snow and icy conditions could delay buses. The mass transit agency offers tool to help riders stay informed during inclement conditions. If necessary, Metro Transit can reroute buses around closed roads, add chains to bus tires or switch to snow routes.
Metro Transit riders can receive up-to-date information about route changes at the Transit Alerts website, http://1.usa.gov/5c064v.
National Weather Service sets winter storm watch amid wind warning
December 17, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. Dec. 17, 2012
Issaquah is under a winter storm watch, as high winds continue to batter Western Washington and more snow is forecast to fall in the mountains.
National Weather Service meteorologists in Seattle issued a winter storm watch for much of Western Washington from Monday evening through Tuesday evening. The watch means favorable conditions exist for winter weather.
Meteorologists said a Puget Sound convergence zone should develop later Monday and persist through at least Tuesday morning. Precipitation through Tuesday morning could likely come as snow.
In Issaquah, rain is expected to turn to snow after 10 p.m. Monday. The snow level is expected to drop from 700 feet to 200 feet. Snow accumulation of less than 1 inch is possible. The chance of precipitation is 70 percent.
Crews gird for snow removal before flakes start to fall
November 27, 2012
The mercury dips a little lower as November turns to December, winter starts in mere weeks, and the agencies responsible for ensuring roads remain passable in ice and snow readied removal plans for the months ahead.
Issaquah, King County and the state prepare detailed ice and snow response plans long before the flakes start to fall. The agencies face challenges in Issaquah and the surrounding area due to steep terrain, narrow roads and limited funding.
