Snow showers bringing up to an inch of wet, slushy snow Tuesday afternoon and early evening is forecast for Bellevue, generally in the north part of the city.

Snowfall is predicted to increase prior to Wednesday morning’s commute, with a possible accumulation of 1-3 inches. The city could see an additional 1-3 inches and 2-4 inches in the South Bellevue hills prior to Wednesday’s evening commute, with snow and freezing temperatures continuing into Thursday morning. The extended forecast indicates that snow should taper off Thursday afternoon, with clearing and cold temperatures into Friday.

Bellevue is asking drivers to plan ahead, allow more time for commutes and trips, and to drive with caution and be prepared for wet, slick roads and possible difficult commutes Wednesday and Thursday.
More information about whether response is available through the city’s extreme weather response site Utilities crews will clear priority arterials and emergency routes first before servicing side streets.

Garbage may not be picked up in bad weather
Allied Waste trucks generally do not run if snow or ice prevent safe collection on neighborhood streets. If garbage, recycling or yard debris are not collected, take materials back inside. A double load of garbage, recycling and yard debris will be collected at no additional charge on the next regularly scheduled collection day (a week later). Excess materials due to missed collection can be put in a temporary container, such as a box or paper bag marked “Garbage,” “Recycling” or “Yard Debris.” If you have questions concerning your collection, call Allied Waste’s customer service at 425-452-4762.

Tips to follow when the temperature drops

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Call Utilities at 425-452-7840 to report flooding, hazardous roads, water main breaks and sewer overflows.

To report gas leaks, power outages, and down power lines, please call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.

Prepare for difficult commutes – plan routes and avoid peak commute hours if at all possible. Drive only if necessary and go slow, allowing extra following distance.

Treat dark intersections as four-way stops.

When using a grill or hibachi to cook or a backup generator, keep them outside with the back- up generator.  They can produce deadly Carbon Monoxide gas. 

Build Emergency Kits for your family to have at home, in the car and at school or work. Your kit should sustain you for 72 hours or longer. Place in your Emergency Kit: Food, water, first aid kit, a small tool kit, seasonal clothing, eye protection, flashlight with batteries, gloves, sanitary supplies, sleeping bags and extra blankets. Remember to add those special supplies if you have small children or you care for a someone with special needs. Items for your pets should also be included.

To prevent frozen outdoor pipes, insulate them with newspaper, rags or other insulating material. Cover with plastic and secure with string or wire.

If a water pipe breaks, immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve and/or water meter to control flooding and water damage. Then call a plumber. The main water shut-off valve is usually located in the basement, garage or outdoors by the foundation. If there is no main shut-off valve, there is a valve in the meter box. Turn clockwise with an adjustable wrench.

Stay inside if possible instead of trying to navigate slippery walkways or roads.  Test new chains to make sure they fit (some may not, even though the box says they fit a certain model). Always carry a cell phone in case of emergencies.

Locate alternate routes and alternative parking from steep terrain. Stay on main roads. Do not park in intersections or block streets.

Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas; all are hot spots for black ice.

Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Do not tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.  Keep sidewalks next to your home clear of ice and snow, but be careful not to overexert yourself.