Rising temperatures and rain mean the snow will be melting, which could cause some minor flooding.
Warming forecast. The possibility for more snow is in the forecast, but rain and more moderate temperatures are expected Saturday into next week. That will mean melting snow and the potential for flooded streets. Please check on storm drains in your neighborhood and clear them of snow, ice, and debris.
Plan for continued icy commutes. Although temperatures are expected to warm up, refreezing at night is possible. Stay off of the roads if you can. If you must travel, check WSDOT’s Traffic twitter account (https://twitter.com/wsdot_traffic) for current conditions on I-5, I-405 and our state highways. The Sheriff’s Office will be posting local road closures to their twitter account as well (https://twitter.com/SnoCoSheriff).
Still need help? There have been reports of people trapped by snow without essential resources and services, particularly in communities impacted by the closure of Highway 2. If you are one of them or know someone who is, please call 425-407-3999. If there is an immediate threat to life or property, call 911. It is the best way to get help where it is needed. Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management has been actively working with community leaders and first responders to make sure the most urgent needs are being met.
Power out? #TeamPUD crews will continue to restore power to customers as quickly as conditions allow. During these storms they have already restored power to 70,400 customers. Don’t call 911 if you lose power. Report outages to 425-783-1001 or outagemap.snopud.com.
Heat your home safely. Beware carbon monoxide. Never try to heat your home using a gas stove or charcoal grill. Run portable generators in a well-vented outside area. If your power is out, designate a warmer area in your home as a primary living area, preferably with fewer windows. Dress in layers and, if needed, wear a scarf, gloves and hat.
Be safe around electricity. Patience can wear thin during a power outage, but it’s never a good idea for customers to try to restore power themselves. Do not approach the power line space on the top of poles and stay at least 30 feet away from any fallen power lines. If you do encounter downed power lines, please report to 425-783-1001.
Need a place to stay? With below-freezing temperatures forecast to continue at least in the near term, we expect an increased demand for cold weather shelter. Multiple locations in Snohomish County provide overnight shelter when temperatures are below 32 degrees F. Coordinators and volunteers work hard to meet the need in the community, but space is limited. If you are in need of shelter, please call 211 or call ahead to a cold weather shelter. Additional information, including a list of local shelters indicating which are open, is available at www.snohd.org/cold.
Secure your garbage. Both Waste Management and Rubatino’s have said to expect a delay in service. Tips to safely manage garbage overflow:
- Bag garbage and place it in cans with lids.
- Compact trash as much as possible to fit in the cans.
- Keep garbage out of the reach of animals.
- Do not burn garbage.
Help each other. Keep an eye on your kids and pets if you are outside, especially near any ponds, lakes or rivers. Check on your elderly or home-bound neighbors.
Stay safe. If you must go out talk over your travel plans with others in your home, even if the trip is just a few miles. Be sure to wear extra layers of outerwear if you will be outside for any length of time (jackets, hats, gloves, extra socks, etc.)
Social Media Accounts to Follow for Updates:
https://twitter.com/snocounty
https://twitter.com/SnoCo_DEM
https://twitter.com/SnoCoSheriff
https://twitter.com/SnoPUD
https://twitter.com/SnoHD
https://twitter.com/NWSSeattle
https://twitter.com/wsdot
https://twitter.com/MyCommTransBus
Other Winter Storm Resources:
Snow and Ice Response: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2113/Snow-and-Ice-Response
Road closure: http://www.snoco.org/App4/SPW/PWApp/roads/emclosure/index.html
Priority routes: http://www.snoco.org/App4/SPW/PublicWorks/RoadMaint/snowIcePlanRouteMap.htmlReal-time road conditions from WSDOT: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/
SnoPUD Outage Map: outagemap.snopud.com
SnoPUD Outage Center: https://www.snopud.com/outages
The National Weather Service – Seattle: https://www.weather.gov/sew/