Community Corner

Snow Update: 1-2 Inches on MLK Holiday, 'Potent Storm' Possible Through Wednesday

Forecasters predict more snow will fall Monday through Wednesday and warn of a major storm late Tuesday-Wednesday that could bring an additional 6-9 inches of snowfall accumulation.

The National Weather Service revised its forecast for Bonney Lake, Sumner and the South Puget Sound and is now predicting up to 5 inches could fall Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

According to a new Special Weather Bulletin released at 4:22 a.m. this morning, forecasters predict heavy snow showers will develop throughout the early week with a large storm on Wednesday. This "severe weather storm" will affect the Western Washington Lowlands until Wednesday evening.

Forecasters warn that this week's storm could down power lines and create hazardous driving conditions, and advise residents to frequently check the National Weather Service website for the latest updates and advisories.

Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Expect Slick Roads

As conditions worsen, city response trucks with snow plows and deicer will respond to ice and snow conditions 24 hours a day as long as conditions warrant, paying close attention to the Monday and Tuesday commutes.

Sign Up for Pierce County's Emergency ALERT System:

When Bonney Lake or Sumner experiences emergencies such as floods or snow storms, cities often send out a message to update affected areas through the county-wide ALERT system.

Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You can now sign up multiple addresses in Pierce County for which you'd like to receive Alert! messages and up to 10 devices on which you'd like to receive those messages. Click here to sign up for free now.

For Snow-Related Issues in Bonney Lake:

  • To report downed trees on city streets in Bonney Lake, call (253) 862-8602 during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm). For after-hours reports, call the dispatch center at (253) 841-5538.
  • To report gas leaks, power outages, and down power lines, please call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 or visit www.pse.com.
  • Storm Debris may be taken to Prairie Ridge Transfer Station (11710 Prairie Ridge Dr E). Limits for storm debris apply; call (253) 862-1704 for more information.
  • For Snow-Related Issues in Sumner:

  • For water/sewer emergencies, call the City's Public Works Shops at 253-299-5740.  If after working hours, dial this number and press 0 when you hear the message.
  • For power outages, call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773.  You can also check service updates online.

    General Safety Suggestions:

  • Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
  • 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.
  • If you use a grill or hibachi to cook or a backup generator, keep them outside with the back- up generator.  They can produce deadly Carbon Monoxide gas. 
  • Build Emergency Kits for your family to have at home, in the car and at school or work. Your kit should sustain you for 72 hours or longer. 
  • Place in your Emergency Kit: Food, water, first aid kit, a small tool kit, seasonal clothing, eye protection, flashlight with batteries, gloves, sanitary supplies, sleeping bags and extra blankets.  Remember to add those special supplies if you have small children or you care for a someone with special needs. Items for your pets should also be included.
  • To prevent frozen outdoor pipes, insulate them with newspaper, rags or other insulating material. Cover with plastic and secure with string or wire.
  • If a water pipe breaks, immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve and/or water meter to control flooding and water damage. Then call a plumber. The main water shut-off valve is usually located in the basement, garage or outdoors by the foundation. If there is no main shut-off valve, there is a valve in the meter box. Turn clockwise with an adjustable wrench.
  • 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.
  • Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Do not tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.  
  • Keep sidewalks next to your home clear of ice and snow, but be careful not to overexert yourself.

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