Published December 19 2013
Light snow is expected to develop after midnight Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday, which may bring an inch of wet snow downtown and one-to-two inches on hills in the east and south by Friday morning's commute. Moderately gusty winds of 30-35 mph are expected after 8 a.m., and the snow fall is predicted to decrease after 9 a.m., when the weather transitions into rain, wind and milder temperatures by the afternoon.
The City of Bellevue is asking drivers to plan ahead, allow more time for the morning commute, drive with caution and be prepared for slick or slushy roads.
The Extreme Weather Response page offers information about snow response and handy phone numbers. Transportation crews will clear priority arterials and emergency routes first before servicing side streets. snow response priority map
The city's snow and ice trucks and equipment are ready, along with plenty of sand, anti-icing and de-icing chemicals. Employees will be on standby, ready to work around the clock.
Bellevue has the greatest elevation range (lake level to 1380 feet) and the steepest streets of all of the suburban/urban areas in the region. Citizens should prepare their vehicles for winter driving and should be aware of the terrain in their neighborhoods and alternate routes they can take in case the ones they normally use become impassable.
There are times in winter weather when it is necessary for city crews to close certain streets while adequately servicing the street. Citizens are asked to respect street closure barriers and not attempt to go around them since this is dangerous for the driver and makes it difficult, if not impossible, for staff to service the streets.
Tips to follow in or following a snow storm:
- Prepare for difficult commutes -- plan your 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.
- Stay inside if possible instead of trying to navigate slippery walkways or roads. If you must go out, have traction devices in your vehicle. Test new chains to make sure they fit (some may not, even though the box says they fit a certain model). Take a cell phone with you in case your car gets stuck.
- Locate alternate routes and alternative parking if you live on streets in 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.