A winter storm has hit Auburn and the Puget Sound area.
A record snowfall of 6.4 inches was recorded at SeaTac International Airport on Friday, breaking the 2014 record of 2.9 inches. The forecast shows snowfall tapering off Saturday morning, only to pick up again Sunday afternoon, with the forecast showing bad weather extending into next week.
Officials are urging residents to stay off roads and avoid driving if possible.
Street crews have been placed on 12-hour shifts and will continue 24/7 operational periods through the duration of the event. The city has deployed six plow/sander de-icer units and two sand trucks. Additional staff is on standby if needed.
The following is a posted mid-day update from the city’s Public Works Department:
“Crews had a rough night with a significant amount of snow coming down between 10 and 11 p.m. that made it difficult for them to keep up. They continue working to get roads opened today but will likely leave 105th closed at this point due to safety concerns for the crew. There was a short power outage in Lakeland due to a tree down.
Currently, all signals are functioning, however, if wind picks up today, this may change.
There are reports of about 12 inches in the Lakeland area, 6 to 8 inches in the valley depending on location, and about 8 to 10 inches on the Enumclaw plateau. Lea Hill and West Hill also received major accumulations.
If the wind does pick up, there may be significant tree fall, given the heavy snow accumulation on them. Residents should be prepared for potential power outages.
Please be safe if you must venture out on roads. We will continue to update as more information becomes available.”
Those who must venture out, can check road conditions on the city’s traffic camera wall and view the city’s Snow and Ice Routes Map to see roads that are given priority for plows and sanding. Most bus and transit routes are running on snow schedules as well. Riders will want to check ahead as many routes have been canceled.
Some routes will be delayed due to abandoned cars on some routes.
Street closures will happen throughout the event, drivers should anticipate icy conditions throughout the city for the next several days.
Find the most up-to-date information on:
• City of Auburn Twitter (@auburn_wa)
• City of Auburn: Facebook (@auburnwa)
• City of Auburn website: (auburnwa.gov)
• Auburn Community Radio: AM 1700
Garbage, recycling and yard waste pick up service has been interrupted. Please move containers off the street until your next scheduled pick up day. Visit the city’s Solid Waste and Recycling page for more information
Remember to keep your pets inside and to check on your neighbors to ensure everyone’s safety. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.
