Ice and snow hit Bellevue

Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022

City of Bellevue crews responding to the recent snow and ice storms have mostly resumed their normal operating hours and are no longer working 24/7 shifts. Standby staff are available to respond to weather-related calls over the holiday weekend.

Over the last seven days, crews from Transportation, Utilities, Parks and Finance and Asset Management fleet services have responded to and supported ongoing snow and ice removal efforts throughout the community. The current forecast indicates rain and warmer temperatures continue through the weekend into next week.

Residents are advised to continue using caution with rainfall and the potential for ponding of water on roadways and localized flooding today. Flooding preparedness resources are available in multiple languages on the city's website. Report flooding to O&MSupport@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-7840.

Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

Freezing rain showers will transition to rain this afternoon, with temperatures gradually rising through the day and evening. Ice remains a high concern throughout the day. Rain showers will continue overnight tonight. Temperatures will be much warmer on Saturday, and the main concern will be localized flooding due to periods of moderate-to-heavy rainfall.

Bellevue City Hall and other non-emergency city facilities will be closed today due to hazardous weather conditions. A detailed list of facility closures is available. The city offers online delivery for most city services, which can be accessed at BellevueWA.gov.

Transportation: City crews will continue 12-hour shifts, providing 24/7 service. This afternoon, crews will focus on hills, working the higher neighborhood routes once the rains begin. This will help soften the ice, allowing plows to get to bare pavement. Continue to avoid non-essential trips today, if possible.

Republic Services once again suspended its routes due to unsafe road conditions; check Republic Services for updates.

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch beginning at 4 p.m. today through Friday evening. If you must travel, expect challenging travel conditions this evening due to snow/sleet mix (up to one inch) and freezing rain overnight continuing through Friday afternoon. Ice accumulation is expected to cause icy roads and may bring down tree limbs and result in potential power outages.

• Transportation: City crews continue working 12-hour shifts 24/7 to clear roads. They have been applying product to neighborhood streets, and will be focusing on arterial roads and emergency response tonight and Friday. If possible, consider staying home or limiting travel on roads tonight and tomorrow morning.
  • For transportation tips and ways to stay informed during a storm, bookmark our winter Frequently Asked Questions guide.
• Republic Services has again suspended its routes due to hazardous road conditions. Updates and details about collection services are available at RepublicBellevue.com.
• Check the status and hours of operation for parks facilities at Parks & Community Services or call the facility. All open facilities are available to the public as warming centers.
• Visit the King County Regional Homelessness Authority for details on shelter availability during severe or extremely cold weather. Local shelters are adding overflow beds.
• To report a power outage, please call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 or report it online.

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

Dry weather is in the forecast through Thursday afternoon with overnight lows in the teens. With continued freezing temperatures, high ice concerns remain. Freezing rain is also expected Thursday evening into Friday morning creating very icy road conditions. If you do have to drive, always use caution when driving in winter conditions.

• Transportation: Street maintenance crews from multiple departments continue working 12-hour shifts, both day and night with a focus on major commuter streets and neighborhood loops as defined in the city’s snow response priorities map. 
• Parks and Community Services: For the most up-to-date details on parks facilities check Parks & Community Services or call the facility.
  • Crossroads, North Bellevue and South Bellevue Community Centers will have modified hours. South Bellevue registered programs, rentals and activities canceled today.
  • Skate Park will be open 2-6 p.m.
  • Garden d’Lights canceled.
• Republic Services: Due to ongoing hazardous road conditions, Republic Services suspended collection on Wednesday. Updates and alerts are posted to RepublicBellevue.com. Republic will collect double the amount at no extra charge on your next scheduled service day.
• Utilities has information to help you protect your pipes and deal with any freeze or break.  

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

A National Weather Service winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. tonight, with freezing temperatures expected for Wednesday and Thursday. Additional snow is possible this evening (half-inch to 1.5 inches). Ice concerns continue through Wednesday night. 

Republic Services suspended its routes Tuesday due to hazardous road conditions. Updates and details about collection services are available on the company website. 

Parks and Community Services facilities closures for Tuesday. Updates posted to Parks & Community Services.  

• Crossroads, North Bellevue and South Bellevue Community Center, Aquatic Center, Bellevue Golf Course and Skate Park are closed.
• Garden d'Lights is canceled.

The Transportation Department, with the support of Utilities, Parks and Finance and Asset Management fleet services, is primarily servicing arterials, especially as it is actively snowing. Crews will continue to work 24-7 in 12-hour shifts to plow and de-ice streets.

Travel will be challenging during the evening commute. If you are considering driving during snow and ice conditions, consult the winter response map to track when it is active and city crews are clearing streets. If you must travel, exercise caution by slowing down and leaving extra distance when following other vehicles.

Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

Residents would do well to prepare for dramatic winter weather this week, with 1 to 4 inches of snow in the forecast for Bellevue Monday night and temperatures set to drop into the 20s here Tuesday and Wednesday.

See essential winter weather tips in: English, 繁體中文, español, 한국어, 日本語, Русский and Tiếng Việt.

Street crews were plowing and applying de-icer for a dusting of snow over the weekend. They’ll continue to operate around the clock this week, but limiting travel is a good approach as streets may be icy and hazardous in places. If you must drive, please allow yourself extra time so you can take it slow. 

Other tips include:

• Utilities can help you protect your pipes and deal with any freeze or break.  
• If your garbage/recycling pickup seems delayed, check Republic Services for updates. 
• Community centers in Bellevue are available during the day as warming centers:
  • Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  
  • North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave NE, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 
  • South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. 
• Local shelters are adding overflow beds. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority has details.
• To report a power outage, please call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 or report it online. Do not use generators or grills inside to heat or cook; they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Streets are plowed based on our priority map, with arterials that provide access for fire, medical and police and transit taken care of first. If snowfall is continuous, these major routes may require repeated plowing and sanding before crews are able to clear neighborhood streets.

For the latest news please check the city's Twitter page. For more emergency information, please check the Extreme Weather Response page.