Rain, snow, wind – winter can bring severe and challenging weather; it’s best to be prepared before conditions become difficult. This is the third in a four part series on preparing and coping with winter weather in Mountlake Terrace.

City crews are getting ready now for any upcoming winter weather by sweeping streets, cleaning storm drains and preparing for the possibility of deicing and snow plowing roadways during the season.

The City of Mountlake Terrace operates five trucks equipped with snowplows and sand/salt spreaders, plus a sixth truck equipped with a dedicated liquid deicer applicator.  Snow removal and deicing routes are prioritized 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.

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.

Crews are currently operating the city’s street sweeper 12 to 13 hours a day during this time of year where there is heavy leaf drop, wind and rain. City officials are asking residents to assist by keeping storm drains around their properties clear of leaves and debris to help prevent local flooding.