MISD Closes Schools Due to Expected Snow

The Mercer Island School District announced at 5:56 a.m. that all schools would be closed today (Feb. 23) due to the possibility of 2-6 inches of snow accumulation.

National Weather Service forecasters say snowfall in the lowlands is a possibility all over western Washington Wednesday (Feb. 23) morning through Thursday morning, according to a Winter Storm Warning. A Winter Storm Warning means that "severe winter weather is imminent".

Already there has been scattered reports of snowfall throughout the area, including in Bellevue, and the National Weather Service is warning that there could be snowfall overnight with three inches in the Puget Sound area lowlands by Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service reported in a memo that brief and local accumulations could occur in the hills above 300 feet, which would include some neighborhoods of Bellevue.

High temperatures will also be in the 30s, with lows below freezing, according to the National Weather Service. Friday and Saturday are so far projected to be sunny and clear, but cold with high temperatures in the 30s, and lows below freezing.

While a few inches is no reason to panic, it's a good idea to keep the following tips from different agencies in mind any time there is winter weather.

The Washington State Patrol has the following and other tips on its winter driving website.

• Drive for conditions – slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking in winter conditions.
• Use your headlights.
• Don’t use cruise control.
• Four and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps,  bridges, or shady spots.
• Brush the snow off your vehicle, especially your lights, before you drive. It makes you more visible plus snow and ice flying off a vehicle can be dangerous to other drivers.
• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it until  it is safe to pass. Remember that a snowplow driver has a  limited field of vision. Stay back (15 car lengths) until you’re  sure it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.
• Slow down and be extra cautious near the chain-up and  removal areas. There are often people out of their vehicles  moving around.

The city of Mercer Island offers these resources on its Emergency Preparedness web page:

• Mercer Island Geologic Map
• Emergency Preparedness Booklet
• Made for Mercer Island Video!  How to Get Prepared Part 1 Part 2
• Are You Ready?
• How to Take Care of Your Pets
• King County Storm Info
• Non Emergency Contact Numbers (by zip code)
• WA State Emergency Management
• Regional Public Information Network
• Mercer Island HAM Radio Operators Site
• Mercer Island Police
• Business Preparedness
• Lightning Safety
• Emergency Well
• MI Snow & De-Icing Routes

The city of Issaquah offers the following helpful advice on its website for staying safe when the weather is bad:

• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

  o    NEVER use a generator indoors, in garages or carports.

  o    NEVER cook or heat inside on a charcoal or gas grill.

• Take precautions to avoid frozen pipes.
• Cold temperatures can endanger pets who spend time outside.
• Before driving in winter weather, make sure to check your vehicle’s battery, brakes, tires, lights, wipers, oil and radiator fluid/hoses. In addition, pack emergency supplies, including tire chains, in your vehicle.

Follow Mercer Island Patch on Facebook and Twitter!