The Kent School District reported that all schools and the administrative office will be closed Friday.
There will be no out-of-district No Out-of-District Transport.
An ice storm batter Kent and the Puget Sound region Thursday snarling traffic and knocking out power to many residents.
Puget Sound Energy crews Thursday morning are working under extremely difficult conditions. Trees and limbs, weighed down by ice-encrusted snow, are breaking off and damaging power lines, resulting in new power outages to tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
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 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.
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.
The King County Road Services Division reports little improvement in road conditions this afternoon as an ice storm continues to grip the region.
Due to icy weather conditions, today’s 3:30 p.m. meeting of the Kent Public Facilities District and also the 5 p.m. Parks and Human Services Committee meeting have been cancelled.
This is a message from Kent Emergency Coordination Center regarding the current cold weather event.
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.
The Auburn-Black Diamond Road between 152nd Avenue Southeast and the Thomas Road has been closed due to downed power lines, according to the Mountain View Fire and Rescue (MVFR).
State Highway 18 has been closed between Interstate 90 and state Route 164 due to downed trees and ice, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
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:
The Kent School District reported on the schoolreport.org website all schools and the administration building will be closed Tuesday.
King County Metro Transit will keep its buses chained up and on snow routing for a fifth straight day on Thursday, Jan. 19, as the region recovers from significant snowfall. But, transit operating conditions could change throughout the day and bus riders should watch for updates from Metro.
The flakes may have stopped flying, but residents should use caution if they must commute to work, and are urged to telecommute on Thursday if possible. The weather forecast still predicts cold temperatures, and snow and ice will not melt off roadways overnight.
