Puget Sound braces for snow storm

With more snow expected this week, city crews are working to keep roads clear during inclement weather. Public works and parks maintenance crews have been working 12-hour shifts since Saturday to be able to respond quickly to weather-related problems, according to the city.

January 17, 2012 6:12 pm
On Tuesday afternoon
On Tuesday afternoon

Mirror staff reports:

The National Weather Service is predicting an estimated 6 to 12 inches of snow will hit the Puget Sound region Tuesday and Wednesday. The forecast includes freezing rain and high temperatures around 30 degrees on Wednesday. Below is information for Federal Way residents regarding school closures and road plowing.

School closures

All classes and after-school activities in the Federal Way School District were cancelled Tuesday. For the latest information on school closures, visit www.fwps.org.

City Hall

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The Federal Way Municipal Court will be closed Wednesday. Otherwise, all city facilities including Federal Way City Hall will be open regular hours through expected snow Tuesday and Wednesday. The Federal Way City Council will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 33325 8th Ave S.

Roads and streets

With more snow expected this week, city crews are working to keep roads clear during inclement weather. Public works and parks maintenance crews have been working 12-hour shifts since Saturday to be able to respond quickly to weather-related problems, according to the city.

The Public Works Department prioritizes clearing major and minor arterials, collectors and particularly hazardous roadways first, before moving on to plow residential streets. This policy allows crews to free up movement and provide safety on routes where the greatest number of cars travel, the city reports.

A map of the city’s snow plow routes can be found online at http://www.cityoffederalway.com/SnowPlowRoutes.

Citizens may report problems or inquire about street conditions by calling (253) 835-2700 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The after-hour message center at (800) 400-0749 handles calls between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. and on weekends. Calls to the message center will be routed to on-call staff and responded to, according to priority level. The city does not maintain private streets, parking lots or driveways.

Citizens requesting immediate plowing due to a medical emergency must call 911. The police department will then coordinate with public works.