November 19, 2024 Wind Storm Information

A "Bomb Cyclone" wind event reached our region, resulting in high winds and damage across the Island. Here's what you need to know:
 

Impacts Across the Island

Most of the Island is without power, and Puget Sound Energy anticipates outages may last several days. PSE crews are working hard to restore electricity across the Island but personnel are spread thin due to the region-wide impacts. Stay updated on estimated restoration times through PSE's outage map.

• There are downed trees, power lines, power poles, and debris scattered across the Island. Crews are working hard to address these issues. Remember:
• Never approach downed power lines, don’t drive over downed power lines, and never use outdoor gas appliances indoors.
• Many roads remain closed. Do not drive around barricades. It is unsafe to walk, bike, or recreate in closed roads or areas.
• Island residents should avoid area parks and open spaces due to unknown hazards in these areas.
• Treat all intersections without power as four-way stops. Come to a complete stop, then proceed slowly when it is your turn.

Police and Fire personnel are responding to various emergencies. You can report things like clogged storm drains online through MI-Connect. Only call 911 to report downed powerlines, dangerous debris, or for other emergencies. 

Cell service and internet connectivity can be spotty. The Community and Event Center is open and offers internet service that is functioning.

We encourage all Islanders to stay updated here and on social media for the latest information.

Cancelations Due to Power Outages, Many Services on Alternate Operations

The City and other organizations are adjusting operations due to the storm's impacts and will continue to do so as needed. Here are a few updates and resources for Islanders to be aware of:

• The Community and Event Center has extended hours and adjusted programming while the facility runs off backup power. Many events and classes have been canceled. Islanders are welcome to visit the facility to charge devices and access the internet.
• The Mercer Island Thrift Shop is closed today (11/20). Check the Thrift Shop's website for future updates.
• Mercer Island School District canceled school for today (11/20). Parents should continue to stay updated with MISD for future closures.
• Youth and Family Services operations have been canceled until further notice. The Hopelink Mobile Market food truck and YFS Holiday Food distribution has been rescheduled to Monday (11/25) from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. The DSHS mobile office visit scheduled for today (11/20) is canceled. Contact YFS for further information.
• Many Island services, such as grocery stores and gas stations, are closed or operating with limitations. Check with local businesses or travel off-Island for services if it's safe to do so.

Remember: check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may have mobility challenges. Please share updates with them as possible.

Staying Safe at Home Without Power

Much of the Island may be without power for several days, as this storm is one of the most significant power outage events since 2012. Make sure to follow these tips to stay safe:

How long will food last? It is important to keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed to prevent the loss of cold air. Without power, a fully loaded refrigerator may keep food fresh for about six hours. A fully loaded freezer may keep food frozen for up to two days. If any food in the refrigerator or freezer is warmer than 41° F, throw it out. Public Health Seattle & King County has a PDF flyer with detailed information.

Sometimes when power is restored, power levels can vary considerably. This variation can damage electrical appliances. Turn off the lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and the freezer. After you have turned off the lights, go back and turn on one single lamp so that you will know when the power is working again. Wait at least 15 minutes before turning on the remaining appliances after the power has been restored.

Using a generator? Always keep it outside and fuel it outside. Do not store fuel for your generator in your house. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches. Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Eastside Fire & Rescue has reported several fires during this emergency due to improper generator use. Follow all generator safety precautions - be safe!

Remember: never use charcoal, gas, or propane heaters indoors. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. These can also increase the risk of fire.

See more tips and information on the County's website.

Storm Cleanup Information

Two debris collection sites have been activated for Islanders needing to drop off leaves, branches, and other vegetation debris due to the storm. Islanders can visit the Homestead Park parking lot and the South Mercer Playfields parking lot to drop off debris - these sites will be active during daylight hours only (sunup to sundown) for safety reasons.

As power comes back on, staff will work to extend these hours. Please follow all signage and staff instructions.

Recology is operating on their regular schedule and will attempt to service as many homes on routes as possible. Contact Recology with any questions. We also ask all Islanders to use your Recology compost bins for any vegetation debris that will fit before using the above sites for large limbs, excess debris, etc.

Updates Feed: 

11/20/24 - 12:15pm

Mercer Island residents that live along East Mercer Way between the 4200 to 4600 blocks and Island Crest Way between 7400 to 7800 blocks should stay home and shelter in place due to hazardous road conditions.

It is unsafe to drive through these sections of East Mercer Way and Island Crest Way due to significant downed power lines, hazardous trees, and dangerous debris blocking the roadway. A CodeRed emergency alert with this message is also being sent to residents in these areas. 

Residents in these areas (4200 to 4600 blocks of East Mercer Way and 7400 to 7800 blocks of Island Crest Way ONLY) who are at home should remain at home. Residents who are away should not return to these neighborhoods until further notice is given. Continue to call 911 in the event of an emergency while sheltering in place. Do not leave your residence unless it is a life-threatening emergency. 

It is unsafe to walk, bike, or drive these roads. Do not recreate in these areas.

Emergency personnel are closely monitoring the situation. An update will be shared when it is safe to end the shelter in place emergency.   

Additionally, all Island residents should avoid area parks and open spaces due to unknown hazards in these areas.

The City will continue to provide updates throughout the day.

11/20/24 - 8:45am

Most of the Island is without power, and Puget Sound Energy anticipates outages may last several days. PSE crews are working hard to restore electricity across the Island but personnel are spread thin due to the region-wide impacts. Stay updated on estimated restoration times through PSE's outage map: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map

Police and Fire personnel are responding to various emergencies. Only call 911 to report downed powerlines, dangerous debris, or for other emergencies. 

Mercer Island School District has canceled school for today. Parents should continue to stay updated with MISD for updates.

There are downed trees, power lines, power poles, and debris scattered across the Island. Crews are working hard to address these issues. Remember: never approach downed power lines, don’t drive over downed power lines, and never use outdoor gas appliances indoors.

Take care as you head out on the road. In addition to debris on the roads, most intersections do not have power. Treat all intersections without power as four-way stops. Come to a complete stop, then proceed slowly when it is your turn.

The City has adjusted operations for several services:

• The Mercer Island Thrift Shop is closed today (11/20).
• The Community and Event Center is open with adjusted programming while the facility runs off backup power. Some events and classes may be canceled.

As always, you can report things like clogged storm drains online through MI-Connect: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/submit-service-request

We will provide a status update on roads and services later today.

Remember: check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may have mobility challenges. Please share these updates with them as possible.

Stay warm, dry, and safe!

11/19/24 - 9:00pm

The wind continues and it's very blustery. Mercer Island Police, Fire, and Public Works crews continue to respond to downed trees, power lines, and other issues.

If you don't have to go out tonight, please stay home.

The majority of the Island (and many areas around us) do not have power, making driving difficult. If you have an emergency or really need to be on the road, follow these safety tips:

• Slow down. Drive slower than the posted speed. Without street lights and ambient light from homes, it will be significantly more difficult to see hazards in the road (think: fallen trees).
• Watch carefully for debris, including tree limbs and power lines.
• Do not drive over downed power lines, turn around.
• Treat all intersections without power as 4-way stops. Stop completely before proceeding and use turn signals - help the other drivers on the road know your actions well ahead of making them.
• Be prepared. If you have to go out, bring a first aid kit, flashlight, and spare batteries for the flashlight in your car in case of emergencies.

Puget Sound Energy is working hard to manage outages across the region. Continue to stay updated with PSE for information on power service (PSE is aware of issues with their online systems due to demand): https://www.pse.com/

Please DO NOT call 911 to report power outages. Police and Fire personnel are responding to emergencies across the Island. Only call 911 to report downed powerlines, dangerous debris, or for other emergencies.

Stay warm, dry, and safe!

11/19/24 - 9:00am

High winds are headed our way, with gusts forecasted to reach up to 40mph in our region. Stay updated on the latest weather conditions and take extra precautions during the storm.

Make sure to:

• Keep cell phones charged and available
• Have your emergency kit ready
• Fill up gas vehicles and charge EVs
• Use non-flame sources of light if power is out
• Never approach downed power lines
• Don't use BBQs or other outside gas appliances indoors

Keep the following in mind as well:

• High winds can cause wet, heavy branches and debris to fall. Please keep an eye out for dangling tree limbs or other debris. Drive safely and watch carefully for standing water.
• If you spot downed power lines, stay away and contact PSE. If they are arcing or pose a threat, call 911. You can see and track power outages or report new issues on PSE's website: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map
• Public works crews closely monitor the weather and respond to flooded roadways and other maintenance needs. Islanders are encouraged to help by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains in your neighborhoods, if it's safe to do so. Your assistance goes a long way in keeping things flowing!

As always, you can report issues online using MI-Connect. This is the best way to help our crews respond to issues (and you can track their progress): https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/submit-service-request

Stay warm, dry, and safe!