[Guest Post by North Bend resident Mark Davis]
A storm is currently offshore that will bring high wind gusts to the Eastside late Tuesday afternoon and into Wednesday.
This “Bomb Cyclone” is a powerful storm that rarely happens in our area. It could end up being the most powerful storm we have seen in over 10 years. The term “Bomb Cyclone” refers to a storm that drops 24 millibars in pressure in less than 24 hours.
The NWS out of Seattle has issued a High Wind Warning for our area from 2 pm Tuesday to 4 am Wednesday. Sustained winds of 30 to 40mph with gusts of 65mph possible.
Two models that agree that the wind gusts will be in the low to mid 60mph range.
Please take this storm seriously. If you have a gas generator, make sure it starts and has plenty of gas. Also, top off the gas in your vehicles. We only have one gas station in North Bend that runs on a generator, and the lines get very long.
[Visit Mark’s Facebook page here or check out North Bend Weather here.]
The City of Snoqualmie is encouraging residents to exercise caution and stay home during this weather event as damaging winds could knock down trees and power lines. The safest place during strong wind events is inside, on the lower levels of your home, and away from windows.
Residents should also prepare for a power outage by preparing generators (if you have one), charging phones and other electronic devices, and packing an emergency supply kit with batteries, candles, nonperishable food, water, and medications.
The City’s Emergency Management and Public Works Departments are preparing to respond to this weather event as needed. Public Works crews will be deployed to address any downed trees once it is deemed safe.
If a tree is downed, please report it by calling the Stormwater & Urban Forestry Division emergency line at (425) 736-1613. For other emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Snoqualmie residents can sign up for emergency alerts on the City website to stay informed during inclement weather events.
In advance of a windstorm, the City of North Bend advises that there are measures you can take to help ensure your property is secure, increasing safety for yourself and your neighbors.
- Check shingles, siding, and gutters. Walk around your home and visually inspect exterior siding, gutters, downspouts, and shingles. Binoculars can be a helpful tool in obtaining a better view. If you see anything out of the ordinary or causing concerns, consider getting a roof inspection.
- Trim trees. Significant damage often comes from surrounding landscaping. Remove overhanging and weak limbs and branches from trees. Look for trees that look weak and unhealthy.
- Identify your home’s vulnerable areas. Perform an in-depth, visual sweep of your home’s interior and exterior, looking for places that are most prone to wind damage, such as your roof, windows, siding, doors, and gutters. Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans, or any loose objects in your yard that could blow away.
- Keep yourself and loved ones safe by staying indoors. The safest place to be during high winds is indoors. Postpone outdoor activities if a wind advisory or high wind warning has been issued.
Power outages often accompany windstorms. Puget Sound Energy’s Outage Map and Tanner Electric’s Outage Map are helpful tools to assess when power may be restored to local areas and neighborhoods.
Follow the National Weather Service’s forecast and weather advisories by visiting www.weather.gov and searching your zip code.
