Winter Storm Ready

Our area is transitioning out of freezing temperatures but roads are slick after last night’s wintery mix of freezing rain / rain.

MISD is on a 2-hour delay and the following roads are closed:

• Eastbound on SE 68th St starting from Island Crest Way
• SE 44th between 86th and Island Crest Way.

The Mercer Island Community and Events Center (MICEC) will be open for normal hours with no changes to programs.

If you have to get out and drive this morning, take it slow and leave plenty of following distance.

The Puget Sound region is predicted to see a dramatic drop in temperature over the next few hours, creating the opportunity for a potential "Flash Freeze."

Wet roads can quickly turn icy as temperatures dip below freezing. These unexpected slippery conditions can make driving hazardous. Stay safe by:

• Staying off the road whenever possible
• Slowing down
• Not using cruise control
• Leaving plenty of following distance between you and other vehicles

Forecast

Temperatures are predicted stay very cold throughout the weekend, with daytime highs below freezing through Sunday. Any chance for snow accumulation has greatly diminished but flurries may remain. Follow the National Weather Service or local media outlets for the latest weather information.

Safety Tips

Stay safe in the cold by layering up, reducing the amount of time you (and your pets) spend outside, and checking on neighbors and family members. Keep an emergency kit in your car if you are traveling and check (the weather and roads) before you go to make sure you can access your destination safely.

The Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC) is open this weekend (including Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) as a warm place to hang out on Island.

Meteorologists are predicting a wide range of weather throughout the rest of the week: wind (35 - 45mph), lots of rain, much colder temperatures, and possible lowland snow. It is important to prepare early for potential power outages, cold temperatures, and travel challenges. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

A FEW DAYS OUT. If a storm is on the horizon, it is important to begin preparations early.

• Have emergency supplies for your home and car.
• Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.
• Make plans for alternative power sources for medical equipment and refrigerated medications.
• Sign up for emergency alerts. Monitor news and weather reports.

THE DAY BEFORE. Forecast accuracy continues to improve, so keep checking the latest.

• Adjust plans.
• Bring pets indoors and secure any outdoor furniture if high winds are predicted.
• Charge cell phones, electronic devices, back-up battery packs, and EVs.
• Check and replace flashlight batteries.

DURING & AFTER. Remain vigilant and stay informed. Drive only if necessary.

• Check on neighbors and family.
• Stay clear of downed power lines.
• Take it easy when shoveling snow.
• Properly ventilate emergency heat sources.
• Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home.
• Watch for landslide warning signs.

For the latest forecast information from the National Weather Service visit www.weather.gov.

Follow this Winter Ready information page for updates on road closures should our area get any snow (link to share: www.mercerisland.gov/weather).

More preparedness tips via Ready: ready.gov/winter-ready

Updated January 2024

The City provides sanding, plowing, and de-icing services on public streets that allow traffic to enter and leave the Island safely when winter weather brings snow and ice.

The City has six plows, three of which have sander units; one truck is used mostly for liquid de-icing.

The top priority is the primary routes that access I-90, schools and the Town Center, and other important arterials. This includes arterials such as Island Crest Way, Gallagher Hill Road, East Mercer Way, West Mercer Way, North Mercer Way, Mercerwood Drive, SE 40th Street, SE 53rd Place, SE 68th Street, 70th Ave SE, and 72nd Ave SE.

In addition to plowing and sanding, crews also apply a pre-treatment of liquid deicer to other arterials located on steep hills and major intersections; this can help prevent minor ice build-up and makes treated streets easier to plow. See Deicing Pre-Treatment Locations Map for more information.

When arterials are safe to travel, crews begin working next on residential streets. Crews also respond to snow and ice situations at the request of Mercer Island Police. Unfortunately, the City does not have the personnel or equipment to clear residential neighborhoods until the main arterials are clear and passable, and must prioritize time and resources.

During major snowstorm events, crews will be focused solely on snow removal for priority routes.

Click on the links below to see the latest maps:

• Snow Removal Priority Streets Map
• Deicing Pre-Treatment Locations Map
• Likely Street Closures Due to Weather Map
• Privately Maintained Roadways Map (i.e. maintenance is responsibility of homeowners, not the City)

To report a snow problem, or request sanding/deicing after a storm, please use the City's online service request portal MI-Connect (or download the app). This pushes requests directly into the workflow queue for City field crews.

Winter driving conditions have arrived and now is a good time to make sure you are prepared!

Whether you are headed to the mountains for some snow-fun or over the mountains to see loved ones, we want to make sure you are ready for the conditions. Follow these tips and tricks to stay safe on the road this winter.

• Know before you go! Check out the forecast and WSDOT road status before you hit the road.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Be prepared to turn back or seek shelter if conditions become bad.
• Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Do not start off until your windshield is defrosted.
• DRIVE SLOWER and increase your following distance. Do not use cruise control.
• Roadway conditions may vary widely due to sun, shade, or roadway surface. Watch for slick spots especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded spots.
• If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection.
• Be careful after a minor accident. If you do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion the other driver and drive to the nearest police station, 24-hour store, service station, hospital, or fire station.

When ice, snow or freezing fog is expected in Mercer Island, City crews head out and pre-treat known trouble spots on roads and sidewalks with de-icer, which can help prevent slippery conditions.

During snow cycles, City plow trucks clear and sand arterials, critical intersections, and major access routes on and off the Island, followed by secondary and residential streets when time permits.

All residents can help the City keep roadways clear and prevent accidents:

• Please give snowplow drivers plenty of space and park well away from the road edge
• Drive cautiously (slow, steady, headlights on, cruise control off, plan well ahead)
• Consult the City's plowing, sanding, and deicing pages for more information

Winter driving conditions can vary from day to day. Be prepared at all times, by knowing the road conditions and having an alternate route planned.

When you approach a snowplow from behind, pass with care.

Only pass when you can see the road ahead.

You should not try and pass in blowing snow.

Allow more distance between you and the plow, they may be spreading sand or chemicals.

Slow down and approach with caution. A snowplow may be clearing snow in that lane or preparing to turn around.

Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC) Operations

As deemed necessary by the Chief of Operations (or designee); facility operations, services, and/or operating hours may be altered due to inclement weather. Information regarding facility status, services, and programing will be available at: https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec, and updated as necessary during inclement weather.

Facility Rentals

The Parks and Recreation Department may cancel a facility rental due to inclement weather, staff will contact the rental group, providing notice and refund/rescheduling options. Cancelations and/or requests for refunds by rental groups citing inclement weather, despite the MICEC or facilities ability to operate, must be submitted in writing to Rentals@MercerIsland.gov for review. In the event of a rental cancelation, it will be the renter’s responsibility to communicate changes to their patrons or attendees.

Daytime Classes & Programs

*Visit www.schoolreport.org for updates on Mercer Island School District operations.*

Daytime classes and programs (Starting prior to 3pm) hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department (excluding drop-in programs) are canceled if the Mercer Island School District cancels classes due to severe weather conditions. A determination about afternoon and evening classes (classes starting after 3pm) will be made by 12:00 pm. Refer to https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec for information on drop-in programs and facility operations. If the Mercer Island School District is running 2 hours late, then classes starting prior to 10am are cancelled.

*Operating decisions during weekends or while school is not in session will be at the discretion of the Chief of Operations (or designee). Make up classes will be rescheduled, if possible, if not then a credit will be given for the cancelled class.

Heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. Keep your home and family safe this winter by following these tips:

Fireplace Safety

The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys. Make sure to check and clean your flues and chimney. A blocked flue will cause smoke to back up into the fire pit and smoke will accumulate in the house. Click here for more from MIFD.

Heating

Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, figuring in two of every five fires (40%). Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance.

Carbon Monoxide

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. Install a CO detector and make sure to change batteries twice a year (at the start and ending of Daylight Savings).

Generators

Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a 2013 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools. Never use a generator or gas grill inside the home.

Candles

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires; the top two days for home candle fires are Christmas and Christmas Eve. Each year between 2013-2017, an average of 7,900 home candle fires were reported each year. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

Electrical

Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters. Change your smoke detector's batteries twice a year (at the start and ending of Daylight Savings) and test annually to make sure it is working properly.

Reporting an Outage

The City does not own or manage powerlines. Contact Puget Sound Energy to report power outages and hear about service updates at 1-888-225-5773 or view their outage map (with estimated power restoration times) www.pse.com/outage/outage-map.

Please do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergency questions, such as power outage duration or reasons for the outage.

What to Do During a Power Outage

• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
• If you encounter downed power lines and no signage or utility crews in the area, call 9-1-1.
• Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. (Did you know? A closed refrigerator will stay cold for up to 12 hours.)
• Turn light switches and buttons on lamps or appliances to the “off” position.
• Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible power surges when the power is restored.
• Leave one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. (Best Practice: Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.)
• Never 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.
• Use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting vs. candles.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Be a good neighbor. Check on the welfare of others.