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. Islander Middle School is open until 8pm and offers functioning internet service and charging stations.

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: 

11/27/24 - 3:30pm

Good news: PSE has restored power service to all reported outages on the Island. All homes and businesses should now have electricity. 

If you are still without power or your power goes out again, report it to PSE immediately and contact our Customer Service Team (customerservice@mercerisland.gov or 206-275-7600), so we can continue to advocate on your behalf.

Clean up continues across the Island. Given the vast amount of debris, it will take some time for crews to address all areas. As always, if you encounter dangerous debris or other issues requiring immediate attention, call the police non-emergency dispatch line: 425-577-5656.

Clearing debris is especially important as rainy weather arrives – leaves and other debris can quickly clog storm drains and cause urban flooding. 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! Remember: you can report issues online using MI-Connect: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/submit-service-request

Cleaning up debris at home? The two collection sites will remain open through next week for Islanders needing to drop off leaves, branches, and other vegetation debris due to the storm. Visit the Homestead Park parking lot and the South Mercer Playfields parking lot to drop off debris during daylight hours only (sunup to sundown). DO NOT place debris in the road or other right of way areas for pickup.

If your home or business was damaged from the storm, King County Emergency Management wants to hear from you in a survey. This information may help Washington request disaster assistance from the state and federal government: https://kcemergency.com/2024/11/27/was-your-property-damaged-because-of-...

The Community and Event Center will be closed Thursday (11/28) and Friday (11/29) in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. It will reopen this weekend from 8:00am – 7:00pm Saturday (11/30) and 9:30am – 5:30pm Sunday (12/1).

The City extends a heartfelt thanks to all Islanders for the resilience, helpfulness, and spirit of community exhibited throughout this challenging emergency. From checking on neighbors to clearing debris, thank you for looking out for each other.

In the coming weeks, we’ll share a look back at the incredible amount of work that went into our community’s response to this storm. 

Thanks again, Mercer Island. Have a safe and festive Thanksgiving!

11/25/24 - 5:15pm

Throughout the weekend, crews continued working to reconnect electricity for small pockets of the Island that were still without power. Almost all customers now have their power service restored. 

Still without power? A small number of Island homes have not yet been reconnected. If you still don’t have power, contact PSE to report your continued outage even if you reported it previously. 

PSE reports their outage map may not be displaying correct information due to a technical issue. We also encourage impacted customers to contact our Customer Service Team (customerservice@mercerisland.gov or 206-275-7600) so City staff can continue to advocate with PSE on your behalf. Contact your service provider if you are without internet or TV service.

City of Mercer Island crews are focused on clearing debris and ensuring roads are free from obstacles. Given the vast amount of debris spread throughout the Island, it will take some time for crews to address all areas. 

Clearing debris is especially important as rainy weather arrives – leaves and other debris can quickly clog storm drains and cause urban flooding. 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 City crews respond to issues (and you can track their progress): https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/submit-service-request

Cleaning up debris at home? Two 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. Additionally, local transfer stations are waiving yard waste fees. DO NOT place debris in the road or other right of way areas for pickup.

As recovery from the storm reaches the final stages for most Islanders, the City is committed to assisting residents who are still without power. The Community and Event Center is open today (11/25) until 9:00 pm and tomorrow (11/26) from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Please stop by to warm up and charge your devices.  

You can contact our Customer Service Team for assistance: 206-275-7600.

We’ll provide additional updates as needed. We thank our community for their resilience throughout this recovery from the storm.

11/23/24 - 5:15pm

Crews continue working across the Island to clear roads and restore power service. Fortunately, significant progress has been made:

Island Crest Way has been fully reopened. The Shelter in Place alert for impacted residents between the 7400 to 7800 blocks has been lifted – a CodeRed alert with this all-clear message was issued.

Work continues to clear the 9000 block of North Mercer Way, in addition to other areas of the Island. Please slow down and leave plenty of room while driving by working crews. 

Electricity has been restored to the majority of the Island, however there are sill pockets mid-Island and on the south end that have not had service restored. Please continue to stay updated with PSE for the latest timelines: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map

The Community and Event Center remains open this weekend from 7:00am – 8:00pm, and will open early on Monday at 7:00am. Islanders can stop by to warm up, charge devices, and access the internet. Showers and recreation programming are available. EV charging is also available.

Debris collection sites remain open 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 our response continues, Mayor Nice and Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum released a joint statement to the community this morning. Islanders can read it on our website: https://www.mercerisland.gov/citycouncil/page/joint-statement-mayor-nice...

We’ll continue to provide updates as progress continues.

11/23/24 - 9:00am

Crews continued work overnight and power service was restored to additional areas of the Island. PSE continues to work on restoring service in the more heavily damaged south end. You can stay updated through PSE’s outage map: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map

The Community and Event Center remains open from 7:00am - 8:00pm during this emergency. Islanders can stop by to warm up, charge devices, and access the internet. Showers and recreation programming are available. EV charging is also back online at the Community and Event Center.

As our response continues, Mayor Nice and Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum released a joint statement to the community: 

Mercer Island Residents, 

As our community continues to recover from the recent storm - one of the most challenging since our last major windstorm in 2006 - we want to acknowledge the hardship many of you have faced. 

We share your frustration and recognize the difficulty in communicating when our normal channels of phone and internet are not working. We are committed to working with our communications providers to collaborate on solutions moving forward.  

Under the leadership of City Manager Jessi Bon, we stood up and are currently operating the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC) as a warming center with WiFi and charging zones. The center remains open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. Yesterday, staff and volunteers conducted welfare checks and went door-to-door to provide information for neighborhoods still without power or connectivity. City Manager Bon’s timely issuance of an Emergency Declaration allowed us to quickly organize these resources to support our community. 

Thank you to everyone who has shown resilience during this emergency, including the Puget Sound Energy crews, out-of-state linemen, local contractors, and telecommunications teams who have worked tirelessly to restore our services. Your efforts are deeply appreciated. We are also grateful to our CERT volunteers, city officials, the Mercer Island Police Department, the Public Works Department, and Eastside Fire and Rescue for their swift action and dedication to our safety and well-being. 

The storm’s effects continue to linger in some of our neighborhoods. Your safety and well-being remain our top priority. If you need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to the City’s Customer Service Team (206-275-7600, 8:30am to 5:00pm on Saturday). Please call 911 for emergencies. Our teams are here for you and are committed to ensuring no one is left behind as we work to restore normalcy.  

This event highlights the critical challenges of localized and regional emergencies. In the coming months, our emergency management team will be working to strengthen our community’s response capabilities through additional community training programs. Our goal is to build a more resilient Mercer Island that can effectively respond to any challenge we may face. 

Thank you, once again, for your patience, support, and understanding during the aftermath of the storm. Together, we will emerge from this challenge stronger and more resilient as a community. 

Additional updates to follow as work continues. 
 

11/22/24 - 2:00pm

Power service continues to be restored across additional areas of the Island. The majority of Town Center and the north end now have electricity and many businesses have resumed normal operations. Crews continue to focus on restoring service across the more heavily damaged south end. Please continue to stay updated through PSE’s outage map: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map

The Community and Event Center remains open from 7:00am - 8:00pm during this emergency. Islanders can stop by to warm up, charge devices, and access the internet. Showers and recreation programming are available. EV charging is also back online at the Community and Event Center.

Staff and volunteers canvased neighborhoods that are still without power to provide additional information and make contact with folks needing assistance. We encourage you to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those without access to family members in the area, tech help, or transportation. Provide them with the City’s Customer Service line (206-275-7600), where they can get up-to-date information and request transportation to the City’s warming centers.

City crews have also been working to clear trails near schools and parks to help ensure kids and adults can safely access these facilities. Crews are also actively sweeping streets as part of the cleanup efforts to help prevent flooding on roads and in neighborhoods from clogged storm drains. 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: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/submit-service-request

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. Due to the popularity of the South Mercer Playfields collection site, we’re asking residents to utilize the Homestead site until further notice.

Additional updates to follow as we learn more about PSE’s progress on restoration of electrical service. Stay warm, dry, and safe! 

11/21/24 - 7:30pm

Good news: power is beginning to come back on in areas of the Island, primarily parts of the north end and Town Center. Cell phone service and internet connectivity are also beginning to improve. Please continue to stay updated using PSE’s outage map: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map

Additionally, most intersections have had power restored and the majority of lights are now functioning normally.

Mercer Island School District is closed tomorrow (11/22). Parents should continue to stay updated with MISD for the latest information on school operations.

The Community and Event Center will be open from 7:00am - 8:00pm during this emergency. Islanders can stop by to warm up, charge devices, and access the internet. Showers and recreation programming are also available. Islander Middle School is also open as a warming shelter tomorrow (11/22) from 7:00am – 8:00pm. 

We know some folks are still struggling to get online or make contact. Staff and volunteers in yellow vests will be canvasing neighborhoods tomorrow morning (11/22) to hand out flyers and provide information on resources. We also encourage you to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those without access to family members in the area, tech help, or transportation. Provide them with the City’s Customer Service line (206-275-7600), where they can get up-to-date information and request transportation to the City’s warming centers. 

The Shelter in Place alert was lifted for impacted East Mercer Way residents, but remains in effect for impacted Island Crest Way residents (between the 7400 to 7800 blocks). Impacted residents will receive a CodeRed notification when it is lifted.

We know this has been a difficult and tiring 48 hours. Crews are working hard to get streets cleared and services restored. Across our region, PSE has 143 crews working 24 hours a day to reconnect customers.

Additional updates to follow as we learn more about PSE’s progress on restoration of electrical service. 

11/21/24 - 11:30am 

Crews continue to work across the Island to restore electricity service and clear dangerous debris and downed power lines. Make sure to give crews plenty of space to work. Please do not approach working crews unless necessary. Stay updated on estimated restoration times through PSE's outage map: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map

REMEMBER:

  • Never approach downed power lines (stay 35’ away), do not 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  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.

The Community and Event Center remains open from 7:00am - 8:00pm during this emergency. Islanders can stop by to warm up, charge devices, and access the internet. Showers and recreation programming are also available. 

We know cell phone and internet service continues to be spotty. Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may have mobility challenges. Please share these updates with them as possible.

Additionally, the Shelter in Place alert that was issued yesterday for parts of East Mercer Way has been lifted. A CodeRed emergency alert was sent to impacted residents with this notification. The Shelter in Place alert for Island Crest Way (between the 7400 to 7800 blocks) remains in place. Impacted residents will receive notification when it is lifted. 

If you're cleaning up from the storm, two collection sites have been activated for Islanders needing to drop off leaves, branches, and other vegetation. Islanders can visit the parking lots at Homestead Park and the South Mercer Playfields to drop off debris - these sites will be active during daylight hours only (sunup to sundown) for safety reasons.

11/20/24 - 5:00pm

Most of the Island is without power, and Puget Sound Energy anticipates outages may last several days. PSE crews are working 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

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 on our website. 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 7:00am - 8:00pm during this emergency and offers internet service that is functioning.

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!

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