Scene in Mountlake Terrace: Water everywhere

As rain continued Tuesday, the City of Mountlake Terrace said that 216th Street Southwest was closed at 68th Avenue West for flooding. The roadway reopened in the afternoon. “Please observe all road closures,” the city said in an announcement. “Don’t drive through standing water. Clear drains if you can do so safely.” Ballinger Park also…

Alderwood Water District offers tips to safeguard water pipes in freezing weather

As colder weather and the freezing season approaches, the Alderwood Water & Wastewater District (AWWD) is reminding residents to take proactive measures to safeguard their water pipes against freezing temperatures. With plummeting temperatures on the horizon, the potential for frozen pipes increases, posing a threat to household plumbing, and the integrity of the district’s water…

 ‘Home for the Holidays’ traffic safety campaign begins 

The Washington State Patrol (WSP), in partnership with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and law enforcement agencies across the state, are beginning the “Home for the Holidays” traffic safety campaign this weekend.  The educational campaign continues through New Year’s Eve with a focus on reminding and encouraging drivers to take extra precautions in adverse…

Time to prepare for winter driving, WSDOT says

Winter’s on its way with some snow and icy conditions, and the Washington State Department of Transportation has tips on how stay safe and keep everyone moving this winter. “Many mountain pass closures, for example, are due to driver behavior, including going too fast for winter weather, inattentiveness or failing to have proper equipment like…

PUD offers tips to conserve energy, water during heat wave

Along with the temperature, Snohomish County PUD customers’ power and water demands promise to climb over the next few days. The PUD is prepared to meet high energy and water demand, but small changes in customer behavior to conserve can decrease stress on the grid and water system. Earlier this week, the National Weather Service…

Hottest temperatures of the year forecast for Western Washington this week

The National Weather Service is predicting “dangerously hot conditions” across much of Western Washington now through Thursday evening. Temperatures are forecast to reach the high 90s and pass 100 degrees in some areas. This means it’s time for people to plan and take precautions to stay cool and safe, both outdoors and at home, the…

PUD implements new approach to keep power on during heat events

  Starting July 23, Snohomish County PUD will no longer disconnect residential customers’ electricity or water service for the duration of high-heat events. Additionally, the PUD will reconnect any previously disconnected electric and water service when requested by customers during high-heat events.  The new approach recognizes that customer access to electricity and water for the…

Wildfire smoke forecasted to impact Washington again this season

As the climate changes, the threat of wildfires looms larger every year. The Washington State Department of Health is urging the public to prepare now for smoke that can make air unhealthy to breathe. Smoke Ready Week, observed June 12-16, is an opportunity to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family. “We are…

Reader view: Consider offering water bowls for wildlife as temperatures rise

You might have noticed that the first excessive heat warning of 2023 hit us even earlier than usual this year. We are now seeing temperatures above 80 degrees even before the official start of summer. While temperatures in this range were foreign to Western Washington when I was growing up here, we are now much…

With snow and ice in forecast, Sound Transit offers tips for commuters

The National Weather Service is forecasting snow, ice, and wind in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties over the next several days, which may have an impact on regional transportation. Here are a few tips from Sound Transit to help you prepare for your commute during these challenging conditions: Be prepared: Sign up for text or email Service…

Over 6,000 customers lose power Christmas night due to high winds

Approximately 6,000 customers in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and Brier lost power Sunday night as high winds whipped through the area. Snohomish County PUD Media Liaison Kellie Stickney said Monday that crews worked overnight to restore power to the affected areas. “We have already been able to restore [power to] about 5,000 customers in our…

Slick roads make driving a challenge Friday

Icy roads contributed to hazardous driving conditions throughout the Puget Sound region Friday, and Mountlake Terrace was no exception. The City of Mountlake Terrace noted via Twitter that city hall and the Recreation Pavilion were closed Friday. “All city roads are covered with black ice from the freezing rain,” the city said. Four plow trucks…

Driving for the holiday? Prepare for more weather challenges

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) notes it’s been a challenging few days for drivers who’ve faced snowy, icy roads in the lowlands north of Seattle and for those crossing the Cascades. WSDOT maintenance crews have been working around the clock, treating, plowing and sanding highways, to help drivers get safely to their destination….

South Snohomish County Cold Weather Shelter open Dec. 22-23

The South Snohomish County Cold Weather Shelter will be open Thursday and Friday evening, Dec. 22-23, as temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s overnight. Upon arrival, individuals will be fed dinner, receive a warm mat and blanket and be offered breakfast in the morning before their departure. The volunteer-run shelter will not…

City crews working hard to keep roads clear during winter storm

It’s been “all hands on deck” for Mountlake Terrace public works crews working to keep the city’s roads clear during Tuesday’s heavy snowfall, said Jesse Hoffman, the city’s public works operations manager. Hoffman said that all four of the city’s snow plows were put into service Tuesday, with multiple crews at work. Public works employees…

I-5 express lanes in Seattle to remain southbound through at least Dec. 21

The Interstate 5 express lanes in Seattle will remain open in the southbound direction through at least mid-morning, Wednesday, Dec. 21 due to snow and ice. The express lanes normally operate in the southbound direction weekdays from 5 to 11 a.m. and in the northbound direction from 11:15 a.m. to 11 p.m. Given current weather…

Verdant supports cold weather services aimed at helping those without permanent housing

The Verdant Health Commission said it has funded two organizations that provide critical services to help the unhoused during winter months: South County Fire and the Cold Weather Shelter. As the cold winter months take hold, homeless individuals become increasingly vulnerable to health risks such as frostbite, hypothermia and even death, Verdant said in a…

MLT residents can take advantage of free storm debris drop-off this weekend

As storm recovery continues, the City of Mountlake Terrace is hosting a drop-off event for yard debris from residential properties. “We’re so grateful to our crews who are responsible for the roadways and city-owned properties,” Public Works Operations Manager Jesse Hoffman said. “And we appreciate the homeowners who did their part by clearing their sidewalks…

Thousands left without power Tuesday night

Thousands of Snohomish County PUD customers were without power Tuesday night in Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, according to the PUD outage map. There were reports of transformers blowing amid gusty winds and blowing snow but the exact cause of the outages wasn’t immediately available. Customers can check the status of outages and report one…

I-5 express lanes in Seattle to remain southbound through Wednesday, Nov. 30

The Interstate 5 express lanes in Seattle will remain open in the southbound direction through at least 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Washington State Department of Transportation said. They did switch to northbound on Tuesday, Nov. 29, due to snow. The express lanes are normally reversed each day and closed overnight, but snow and…

Windstorm leaves thousands without power overnight

Thousands of people in Southwest Snohomish County were without power overnight due to a windstorm that toppled trees and blew tree limbs into power lines and poles, a Snohomish County PUD spokesperson said. “We have 14 line crews in the field and another 21 support crews, including tree crews, out in the field this morning…

Plan now for snow and ice season, WSDOT says

While many may be thinking about pumpkins and spiced ciders, now is the time for travelers to make sure they’re prepared for winter driving. The Washington State Department of Transportation urges all travelers to start preparing themselves and their vehicles for winter weather. Drivers can check out WSDOT’s winter driving web page for tips and information. WSDOT…

Health department offers tips for staying cool this week

Hot weather is expected to impact Washington state through Friday of this week, with predicted daytime temperatures in the 90s or over 100 degrees in some places. The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warnings for much of central and eastern Washington, and a Heat Advisory is in effect in western parts of the…