Falling Temperatures Have King County Road Crews on Weather Watch

The weekend forecast is not calling for a full-on Arctic blast, with snow levels dropping from 800 feet Friday night to 200 feet Sunday morning, and little or no snow accumulation expected. But the mercury is expected to drop to 29 degrees F. Saturday night and Sunday morning, and streets definitely could get icy.

Because winter can come early in the higher hills, King County road crews have topped off stockpiles of salt and sand and are ready to respond when roads get icy and the first flakes fall, which could be any day now, if the latest forecasts are accurate. 

While some unincorporated neighborhoods have been annexed by cities, the actual number of snow routes maintained by King County has changed very little in recent years. The county is still responsible for about 1300 miles of snow routes connecting cities, suburban and rural areas, according to a press release. However, the county warns that the Road Services Division will have fewer resources to respond due to funding and staff reductions. 

These reductions mean some roads will be plowed and sanded less often depending on weather conditions. Priorities for snow and ice removal include arterials and heavily traveled roadways and routes used by Metro Transit buses. In general, snow response on roadways will occur in the following order of priority:

• Major roads such as key arterials and main thoroughfares connecting densely populated areas.
• Smaller roadways that carry traffic from local streets to arterial roadways connecting towns and cities.
• Secondary commuter routes that are considered important connectors to the County’s larger network of roads.

During minor localized snow events, the division will shift crews from non-affected areas of the county to help keep roads clear. But during a significant regional snowstorm, the shifting of county forces may not be possible, according to the King County Department of Transportation.

“When a snowstorm strikes, the best way to avoid the dangers of driving is to stay home,” Road Services Division Manager Paulette Norman said. “If you must drive, stick to major arterials and make sure your vehicle has good winter tires and a full tank of gas before heading out.” 

For more information about the Road Services Division’s snow and ice plan, visit:

www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/Roads/RoadsMaintenance/SnowAndIcePlan.aspx

A reminder on the basic that you should have on hand:

Emergency preparations list

• Make a plan, including two ways out of every room and a meeting place for family members outside, then practice the plan.
• Stock at least several days of emergency supplies at home and work, in vehicles and anywhere you regularly spend time.
• Equip your home with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and fire escape ladders, and test them regularly.
• Establish an out-of-area emergency contact and share the information with your loved ones.
• Maintain your ability to send and receive information wherever you are, with a battery operated or wind-up radio, a cell phone and a weather radio.
• Prepare for power outages by knowing where your utility shut-offs are, keeping flashlights and extra batteries in your emergency kit.
• Get First Aid and CPR training. A basic CPR class is available through Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department.
• Post emergency numbers by phones/e-addresses by computers.

Emergency supply kit list

• One gallon of water per person for at least three days
• First aid kit – freshly stocked
• Food, packaged or canned
• Can opener
• Blankets, sleeping bags
• Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries
• Essential medications and glasses
• Fire extinguisher – A-B-C type
• Money

Kirkland Patch editor Greg Johnston contributed to this story.