Recovery Operations Continue in Snoqualmie Following Snow Storm
For immediate release: February 18, 2019
Snoqualmie, WA – The City of Snoqualmie Parks & Public Works crews worked around the clock in preparation for and during the major snow storm that descended on parts of Western Washington on February 8, prompting Mayor Matt Larson to make a Proclamation of Emergency.
Following days of continued snow plowing, the night of February 11 brought the worst of it. With 22 inches of snow in one night, many roads in Snoqualmie became impassable, prompting city leadership and the Snoqualmie Emergency Management Department to implore residents to stay in their homes and call 9-1-1 for emergencies rather than venture into the storm.
Public Works crews worked to keep State Route 202 through downtown Snoqualmie accessible and one lane of Snoqualmie Parkway open between State Route 202 and Interstate 90. Then began a long week of digging out, much of the first few days keeping those major streets open while attempting to plow arterials and side streets packed with snow.
Beginning with six plows, days into the operation the city was able to secure two front loaders and two back hoes made possible by the Proclamation of Emergency, which allows governmental bodies to “enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such emergency situations to protect the health and safety of persons and property.”
At one point, 18 pieces of heavy equipment – including plows, front loaders, back hoes, dump trucks, and other city and contractor vehicles – were moving massive amounts of snow to a central location in the vacant lot at the corner of Snoqualmie Parkway and State Route 202.
On the afternoon of February 17, Brian Krause, Parks & Public Works Operations Manager, reported that large scale snow removal operations with contractors had been completed. Snow clearing work in the upcoming week will be completed with City of Snoqualmie resources focusing on improving traffic and pedestrian safety.
“This storm was a perfect example of how important emergency preparation is for residents and businesses,” said Joan Pliego, City of Snoqualmie Public Information Officer. “Store shelves were cleared out, cars were buried in snow, and the only way to get emergency assistance was by snow plows and public safety vehicles. There are other catastrophes that may come our way, such as flooding and earthquakes. Now – not tomorrow – is the time to prepare.”
Emergency Preparation
Emergency preparation information, plans, and checklists for all types of emergencies are available in multiple languages on the Take Winter by Storm website at www.takewinterbystorm.org.
Social Services
Individuals and families in need of social services can find a list of local organizations on the City of Snoqualmie website atwww.cityofsnoqualmie.org under “Community.” Winter homeless shelters are available in Snoqualmie and North Bend. More info:www.svshelterservices.org or 425-773-2874.
Storm Recovery for Unincorporated King County
King County Emergency Services, www.kcemergency.com
King County Road Services Division, www.kingcounty.gov/depts, 206-477-8100
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Contact:
Joan Pliego, PIO
City of Snoqualmie
425-888-8014
info@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us
www.cityofsnoqualmie.org