The city is preparing now for whatever winter weather may come this season by sweeping streets, cleaning storm drains and preparing for possible de-icing and snow plowing.

The City of Mountlake Terrace is equipped for snow removal and de-icing operations that are typical for Western Washington with a fleet of five trucks equipped with snowplows and sand/salt spreaders, and a sixth truck equipped with a dedicated liquid de-icer applicator.

City officials prioritize snow removal and de-icing routes according to volume and speed of traffic, terrain, transit routes, routes to schools and routes utilized by emergency services. During and immediately following a storm, crews will concentrate on the established primary and secondary routes; once these prioritized routes have been cleared, crews will begin plowing third tier routes to serve residential neighborhoods.

During a snow or ice event residents can help by moving vehicles from city streets until snow removal is complete, locating alternate parking if they live on a steep hill, staying off roads until conditions improve, allowing plenty of time to get to their destination, and leaving plenty of room between vehicles, city officials advised.
When you encounter trucks engaged in snow or ice removal, yield the right of way if you can do so safely, keep back at least 50 feet, and do not attempt to pass.

In response to heavy rains, residents can do their part now by keeping storm drains clear of leaves and debris to prevent local flooding. City crews are currently operating the street sweeper 12 to 13 hours a day where there is heavy leaf drop, wind and rain.

You can find more winter preparedness tips from the City of Mountlake Terrace here.