A windstorm dropped trees and knocked out power in parts of Kent and surrounding areas, leading to the closure of Kent schools and numerous roads.
“Due to ongoing power outages and unsafe road, sidewalk and neighborhood conditions across the district caused by the severe windstorm, all schools are closed on Wednesday, Nov. 20,” according to the Kent School District.
As of Wednesday morning, seven streets remained closed in Kent due to fallen trees and telephone poles.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) reported widespread power outages, including several areas in Kent, many in the East Hill. As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, 388,288 customers were without power in the company’s coverage area, many in the Seattle-Tacoma area.
Crews will continue assessing more of the overall damage to the region and provide restoration updates as information becomes available, according to PSE.
“We anticipate a multiple-day outage and encourage customers with critical needs to make alternate plans as we work to assess the situation and restore power,” according to a PSE statement.
The Kent School District reported that power restoration times will vary by site and it will provide further updates later Wednesday about any future closures.
“The decision to close schools is made with careful consideration, recognizing the significant impact on families and staff,” according to a school district statement. “We strive to provide timely information and appreciate your patience and understanding as we respond to these challenging circumstances.”
Due to impacts from the storm and the Kent School District closure, the city of Kent implemented its inclement weather policy for Nov. 20.
All scheduled Kent Parks programs and classes for Nov. 20 are cancelled, according to the city. This includes Youth, Adult, and Adult 50+ programs, as well as the ShoWalk program at the accesso ShoWare Center. There will also be no after school programs today – this includes After School Energy and Meridian After School.
The Kent Commons Community Center and Kent Senior Activity Center have power and will remain open and operating normal business hours Wednesday; all drop-in programs at these locations will be offered as usual, including the lunch program at the Senior Center.
Riverbend Golf Complex is also open and operating normal hours.
“Park Operations crews will be out and assessing any and all damages to our parks and natural areas,” according to a city statement. “While we encourage residents to avoid forested areas and trees in our parks, if you do choose to venture out, please be mindful of debris and fallen branches.”
Road closures
As of about 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, the city of Kent announced the following street closures:
• SE 208th St between 132nd Ave SE to 140th Ave for trees in power lines.
• S 200th St between Talbot Rd to 93rd Ave S for telephone poles in roads.
• Tree blocking intersection at 130th Ave SE and SE 218th Pl.
• 124th Ave SE between SE 208th St and SE 202nd Pl for trees in power line and car on tree.
• Central between Smith St and James St for telephone pole severely leaning into traffic.
• W Meeker St and 6th Ave for trees in power lines.
• 125th Ave SE and SE 216th St for fallen tree blocking both lanes.
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