Summary

King County is making extra shelter beds available in downtown Seattle while King Metro snow routes are in effect. All non-essential King County offices are closed today due to the winter storm.

Story

King County is making extra shelter beds available at the King County Administration Building through Wednesday night for people experiencing homelessness during the winter storm. The Jefferson Day Center at Fourth Avenue and Jefferson Street in downtown Seattle remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can call 2-1-1 or go to the King Count 211 website to locate the nearest available shelter.

All King County Metro Transit buses are on snow routes, and many buses are running behind schedule. Metro proactively chained its fleet prior to the morning commute and has nearly all 1,500 of its coaches in service. Metro increased staff in anticipation of tough conditions and has been working behind the scenes to tow stuck coaches and address issues as they arise. Check MetroWinter.com for specific snow route information, especially as preparations are made for the afternoon commute.

All non-essential King County offices, meanwhile, are closed today.

Today is the deadline for in-person voter registration for the February Special Election. However, because King County Elections is closed, registration requests can instead be made by email to elections@kingcounty.gov or by phone at 206-296-1565.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. for areas of King County east of Lake Washington, and a Winter Weather Advisory for the rest of the county. Temperatures will top out around freezing, with overnight lows falling into the teens. Wind chills could be in the single digits, especially to the north.

Travel is difficult across the region, even where roads have been treated and plowed. Stay up to date with weather conditions, and stay off the road if at all possible. If you must drive, slow down and increase your following distance. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Snow-covered and/or slick roads will cause rough travel conditions through Tuesday morning. Check kingcounty.gov/roads, WSDOT, and SeattleTraffic.org websites for specific information about your route.

King County government offices are closed today, except for essential services. Agencies or services that are closed include:

• Superior Court
• District Court
• County Council
• Community Service Centers
• Public Health clinics
• Prosecuting Attorney's Office
• Assessor's Office
• Pet Adoption Center
• Elections

If you are not sure if an office or service is open, check kingcounty.gov or call ahead before visiting.

Many school districts and colleges in King County have canceled or delayed classes today. Check with your school or visit FlashAlert.net for information.

Waste Management has suspended all residential service across Western Washington. Recovery plans vary depending on the community.

There have been a few power outages reported as a result of the snowstorm. Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy both report thousands of customers without electricity. If your power is out for an extended amount of time, use caution with alternative heating sources. Never use a charcoal grill indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Public Health -- Seattle & King County has information about CO exposure available in multiple languages.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Cameron Satterfield, Executive Services, 206-263-9758