Puget Sound Energy has increased the number of customers without power to 260,000 as of 6 a.m. this morning.
The changing weather conditions are making the cleanup process a challenge for maintenance crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation. The worst areas are State Route 202, SR 410, SR 900 and SR 18.
The traffic lights at the intersections on state Route 169 between Maple Valley and Renton are currently not operating.
Due to weather related calls, 911 centers throughout Western Washington are being overwhelmed. Because of this, emergency responders are asking for patience as they deal with the various calls the icy weather has caused, as well as the normal emergency call volume.
Waste Management is not servicing any routes today, Thursday.
Because of the high demand for emergency services during this weather related period of time, residents are reminded that they should only use 911 for immediate assistance.
The King County Road Services Division reports little improvement in road conditions this afternoon as an ice storm continues to grip the region.
Maple Valley City Hall has closed for the today. All activities and classes have been canceled.
As of 7:25 a.m., Jan. 20, Puget Sound Energy has reported 1790 customers without power in Black Diamond, 5081 in Covington and 7090 in Maple Valley.
Mountain View Fire and Rescue/Black Diamond Fire Department firefighters on en route to a residential fire.
Updates when available.
For the 16th time, Tahoma High’s We the People team took first place at the state competition in Olympia Jan. 7, and will go to Washington D.C. for the finals.
With the approval of a 0.5 percent increase in the utility tax on Nov. 22, the Covington City Council gave the go-ahead staff to continue with a major project, its Community Park.
Due to inclement weather and unsafe driving conditions, the Jan. 19, Regular Meeting of the Black Diamond City Council scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Black Diamond Council Chambers has been cancelled.
Freezing rain and snow mix continues to fall in the region. Residents should use caution if they must commute to work, and are urged to telecommute on Thursday if possible. Snow and ice did not melt off roadways overnight.
It’s the ice after the snow that’s creating the problems today in Puget Sound. Frigid overnight temperatures made driving very difficult this morning, and will continue to make driving difficult throughout the day.
The city of Kent has opened two warming shelters today to assist those who are without power and heat in their homes.
The following is a ice storm warming release form the National Weather Service for the Puget Sound region. The freezing rain is expected to last into this afternoon.
Residential collection of recycle, yard waste and garbage is suspended today due to inclement weather; critical commercial accounts will be serviced on a limited basis.
Reports of falling tree limbs and transformer explosions around Covington have been coming into the city throughout the morning according to city officials.
As a rare ice storm strikes the Puget Sound area, the American Red Cross advises extreme caution. Ice storms can cause power outages and dangerous driving conditions. The Red Cross offers these tips to stay safe:
