This story has been updated. Please check KirklandReporter.com for the latest information on the 2008 Winter Storms
Mother Nature brought a taste of the North Pole to Kirkland this week with winter weather forcing many residents to stay at home in the run-up to the holiday season. Pummeled by a so-called “Convergence Zone,” the Puget Sound was hit by several inches of snow last weekend and up to 4 inches of snow fell in Kirkland Dec. 18, prompting the closure of several local roads, all area schools and canceling several community events. The Lake Washington School District canceled classes Thursday and Friday, effectively beginning the winter break two days early. Classes in the district resume Jan. 5.
The City of Kirkland also closed a number of city facilities and departments in response to the mid-week storm, including the Municipal Court, garbage collection, recreation programs, community centers and the city cemetery. City Manager David Ramsay said Kirkland’s Emergency Operations Center is standing by, if needed.
“We’re set up and ready to go if it’s activated,” he said.
One of the few local celebrations that did go ahead was the Argosy Christmas Ship Bon Fire at Juanita Beach Park, which had the good fortune of occurring between the weather events.
Kirkland Police kept busy trying to respond to double the average number of calls for help relating to car accidents and disabled vehicles. Authorities are encouraging motorists to limit trips in their vehicle or stay at home altogether if driving is not a necessity. Kirkland Police Sgt. Lisa Brouelette said motorists should maintain a safe distance between vehicles, drive at a reduced speed and honor closed street barricades and warning signs.
“If you don’t need to be out there, please don’t,” she said.
Temperatures are expected to remain below-freezing, with highs in the upper 20s and lows in the lower 20s and teens. Another 3 to 4 inches of snow is on the way this weekend, coupled with strong winds that are expected to knock out power to a number of areas in Western Washington. The National Weather Service placed a high wind watch for the east Puget Sound lowland that is in effect through Sunday, 4 p.m. with sustained wind speeds predicted to reach up to 30 mph. The high winds are expected to produce wind-chill values near zero. County and local officials are advising local residents to heed the following safety tips in the event of a power outage:
· Report power outages to Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.
· Turn off lights, electrical equipment, and appliances (except refrigerators and freezers), and leave in the off position.
· Remember to use alternate heat sources safely and wisely. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions on use, and maintenance.
· Do not use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating—they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.
· Stay away from down power lines and sagging trees.
For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, using a generator during a power outage and other safety tips, go the state’s Emergency Management Division’s Web site here.
In addition, the following roads are closed due to hazardous snow and ice conditions:
* NE 52nd from Lake Washington Blvd to 108th Avenue
* 108th Avenue at the top of the hill at NE 44th
* Between Market Street and 1st Street:
o 10th Avenue
o 11th Avenue
o 12th Avenue
o 13th Avenue
o 14th Avenue
o 15th Avenue
o 16th Avenue
o 17th Avenue
o 19th Avenue
* 5th Avenue South from Lake Street to State Street South
* NE 112th Street from 100th Avenue to 104th Avenue
* NE 116th Street from 98th Avenue NE to 104th Avenue NE
* NE 97th Street from 112th Avenue to 110th Avenue NE
Police have re-opened 5th Place, 18th Avenue, NE 104th and NE 120th streets.
As of 5 p.m. Friday, no major road closures or power outages have been reported within city limits.
Emergency public information will be made available on the City’s website at www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/emergency, recorded to the 24-hour emergency hotline at 425-587-3767, posted to KGOV Channel 21 and KLIFE Channel 75 and emailed via the Neighborhood EBulletin. To subscribe to the e-bulletin, go to the City’s website and click on the “Kirkland Email Alerts” icon. City recreation programs will be cancelled per Lake Washington School District’s school cancellation policy. To receive regional emergency news alerts, subscribe to the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) at www.rpin.org.
