Community Corner

Snow Update: 1-2 Inches on MLK Holiday, 'Potent Storm' Possible Through Wednesday

Forecasters predict more snow will fall Monday through Wednesday and warn of a major storm late Tuesday-Wednesday that could bring an additional 6-9 inches of snowfall accumulation.

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The National Weather Service revised its forecast for Bellevue and the Puget Sound Lowlands and is now predicting up to 5 inches could fall Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Commuters can check out what some of the city streets look like with the city of Bellevue live traffic cameras. The Bellevue Fire Department reported that slick streets over the weekend cause multiple minor accidents as motorists slid.

King County Metro Transit announced it is remaining on snow routing countywide through Monday while also operating on a reduced holiday schedule, according to a press release.

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The Bellevue School District already had been off because of the holiday.

According to a new Special Weather Bulletin released 10:32 p.m. Sunday, forecasters predict heavy snow showers will develop Monday afternoon and continue on Tuesday with 1-3 inches in new snowfall. This will be followed by a "potent Pacific Storm" that will arrive Tuesday night with the potential to deliver 6-9 inches of new snowfall on Bellevue before it changes over to rain on Wednesday night — although they are still uncertain how much snow will fall and when exactly it will turn to rainfall.

Find out what's happening in Bellevuewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Forecasters warn the Tuesday-night storm could down power lines and create hazardous driving conditions, and advise residents to frequently check the National Weather Service website for the latest updates and advisories.

Expect Slick Roads

The city of Bellevue reported that its response trucks with snow plows and deicer will continue to respond to ice and snow conditions 24 hours a day as long as conditions warrant, paying close attention to the Monday and Tuesday commutes.

The city issued these tips for winter weather:

  • Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
  • Call Utilities at 425-452-7840 to report flooding, hazardous roads, water main breaks and sewer overflows.
  • To report gas leaks, power outages, and down power lines, please call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.
  • Prepare for difficult commutes – plan your routes and avoid peak commute hours if at all possible. Drive only if necessary and go slow, allowing extra following distance.
  • Treat dark intersections as four-way stops.
  • If you use a grill or hibachi to cook or a backup generator, keep them outside with the back- up generator.  They can produce deadly Carbon Monoxide gas. 
  • Build Emergency Kits for your family to have at home, in the car and at school or work. Your kit should sustain you for 72 hours or longer.  Place in your Emergency Kit::   Food, water, first aid kit, a small tool kit, seasonal clothing, eye protection, flashlight with batteries, gloves, sanitary supplies, sleeping bags and extra blankets.  Remember to add those special supplies if you have small children or you care for a someone with special needs. Items for your pets should also be included.
  • To prevent frozen outdoor pipes, insulate them with newspaper, rags or other insulating material. Cover with plastic and secure with string or wire.
  • If a water pipe breaks, immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve and/or water meter to control flooding and water damage. Then call a plumber. The main water shut-off valve is usually located in the basement, garage or outdoors by the foundation. If there is no main shut-off valve, there is a valve in the meter box. Turn clockwise with an adjustable wrench.
  • Stay inside if possible instead of trying to navigate slippery walkways or roads. If you must go out, have traction devices in your vehicle. Test new chains to make sure they fit (some may not, even though the box says they fit a certain model). Take a cell phone with you in case your car gets stuck.
  • Locate alternate routes and alternative parking if you live on streets in steep terrain. Stay on main roads. Do not park in intersections or block streets.
  • Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas; all are hot spots for black ice.
  • Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Do not tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.  
  • Keep sidewalks next to your home clear of ice and snow, but be careful not to overexert yourself. 

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