The Auburn-Black Diamond Road between 152nd Avenue Southeast and the Thomas Road has been closed due to downed power lines, according to the Mountain View Fire and Rescue (MVFR).
State Highway 18 has been closed between Interstate 90 and state Route 164 due to downed trees and ice, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
As a rare ice storm strikes the Puget Sound area, the American Red Cross advises extreme caution. Ice storms can cause power outages and dangerous driving conditions. The Red Cross offers these tips to stay safe:
The Kent School District reported on the schoolreport.org website all schools and the administration building will be closed Tuesday.
King County Metro Transit will keep its buses chained up and on snow routing for a fifth straight day on Thursday, Jan. 19, as the region recovers from significant snowfall. But, transit operating conditions could change throughout the day and bus riders should watch for updates from Metro.
The flakes may have stopped flying, but residents should use caution if they must commute to work, and are urged to telecommute on Thursday if possible. The weather forecast still predicts cold temperatures, and snow and ice will not melt off roadways overnight.
Rain soon will return to Kent. Snow mixed with rain is predicted for Wednesday night with only rain expected after 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
About 5 inches of snow early Wednesday brought many things to a halt in Kent.
The city of Kent has closed several streets Wednesday morning because of snow.
Due to snow conditions and slick roads, residents are urged to use caution while commuting to work and to telecommute if possible. Individuals should take their time and be patient, and emphasize safety over getting to a destination quickly.
About 1 to 3 inches of snow is predicted by Tuesday night in Kent with as much as 3 to 7 inches falling during the day Wednesday and another inch Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.
The city of Kent Severe Weather Shelter at Kent Lutheran Church will remain open Tuesday, Jan. 17 and Wednesday, Jan. 18 due to predictions of dangerously low temperatures and snow.
Allied Waste Services are adjusting routes in Kent because of the snow and ice.
With the exception of cancellation of the city of Kent Parks Department programs at Kent Commons, City Hall and other city facilities are open for regular business hours through expected snow Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Kent School District cancelled the Jan. 18 Technology Expo.
Due to snow conditions and slick roads Tuesday and Wednesday, residents are urged to use caution while commuting to work and to telecommute if possible. Individuals should take their time and be patient, and emphasize safety over getting to a destination quickly.
King County Metro Transit is remaining on snow routing countywide on Tuesday, Jan. 17. And, with continuing snowfall forecast, there could be some bus trips or routes cancelled on Tuesday. Conditions could also change throughout the day on Tuesday depending on the timing and location of the snowfall.
The Kent School District is closed today because of the snowy weather.
The proverbial calm before the storm will give drivers time to plan for a series of snowstorms expected to hit Puget Sound and the Cascades over the next 72 hours
A winter storm watch now in effect from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.
