Drivers are encouraged to avoid steep roads and find alternate routes.

Kirkland road crews worked through Wednesday night clearing “first priority” roads near Evergreen Hospital and roads that lead to and from I-405, transit routes, schools, and fire stations. Crews transitioned to “Priority

2” roadways Thursday morning.

Due to the amount of snow, some branches and trees are starting to topple under the load.

The tree blocking the road at N.E. 38th Place and 108th Avenue N.E. was cleared and the roadway is open.

Puget Sound Energy has been notified to remove the tree down at the 13800 block of Holmes Point Drive.

Kirkland residents are also reporting that the sledding hill on NE 140th St. west of 116th Ave. N.E. in the Kingsgate neighborhood is closed due to a fallen tree.

To report fallen trees in the roadway, call the Public Works Maintenance Line at 425-587-3900 (24 hours). To report a fallen power line or power outage, call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.

The following roads remain closed:

· NE 116th Street from 98th Avenue NE to104th Avenue NE

· NE 52nd Street between Lake Washington Boulevard and 108th Avenue.

· NE 97th Street between 112th Avenue NE and 110th Avenue NE.

· 5th Avenue between Lake Street South and State Street South.

· 5th Place between 15th Avenue and 18th Avenue.

· NE 104th Street between 113th Court NE and 111th Avenue NE.

· Several steep slope roads are currently closed; including the side streets off Market Street from 10th Avenue north to 19th Avenue.

· City Hall is open with limited staff.

· Kirkland Municipal Court is closed.

· Peter Kirk Community Center is open.

· North Kirkland Community Center is closed.

· City recreation programs and classes are cancelled.

Waste Management (WM) is not servicing any routes Thursday in Kirkland. WM will collect up to twice the regular amount of recycling, garbage and food and yard waste on customers’ next regular service day.

Customers should check WM’s “Weatherboard” for collection service notices and updates at wmnorthwest.com/weatherboard.html or call 800-592-9995.

· Property owners adjacent to sidewalks are responsible for keeping them clear of snow and debris.

· Property owners are asked to keep storm drains clear of snow and debris to allow for water to properly drain; reducing flooding.

· Residents should prepare for possible local flooding as temperatures warm causing the snow to melt.

Thursday’s community reception hosted by the City of Kirkland and Lake Washington School District to meet Dr. Traci Pierce, candidate for Superintendent, is cancelled.

The City of Kirkland will issue storm updates as new impacts to services, programs, and meetings are known.

To receive storm updates via email, subscribe to the “News Room” list serv at www.kirklandwa.gov/ebulletins or follow @Kirklandgov on Twitter.