Unsuited to that wintertime idyll made famous by the basso of Bing Crosby, Kirklanders wishing for a “White Christmas” will get their wish, according to the National Weather Service.
A Christmas Eve winter storm watch was issued Dec. 23 with 2-3 inches of snow in the forecast throughout the week, changing at times to a rain-snow mix. By the end of the week, say forecasters, rain is predicted as daytime high temperatures might reach into the 40s and above freezing at night. But until then, public safety officials say the combination of freezing rain and snow on the ground are creating hazardous driving conditions and advise motorists to take precautions.
The wintery weather continues after an accumulation of 4-10 inches of snow fell in Kirkland over the past week, prompting the closure of several local roads, all area schools and canceling several community events.
The Lake Washington School District canceled classes last week, effectively beginning the winter break two days early. Classes in the district resume Jan. 5.
Sledding down the hillsides behind Heritage Hall, Kirkland Junior High School friends Michelle Murkami, Alexis McLeod, Payton Jones and Laura Duncan enjoyed an early start to the Christmas break.
“This is a nice place to sled because it’s not crowded,” Duncan said. “It’s good-angled.”
The winter snow also closed a number of city facilities and departments in response to last week’s storm, including the Municipal Court, garbage collection, recreation programs, the Peter Kirk and North Kirkland community centers and the city cemetery. Kirkland Municipal Court and City Hall reopened on a limited schedule this week, closing early on Christmas Eve at noon and remaining closed Christmas Day. City Manager David Ramsay said Kirkland’s Emergency Operations Center is standing by, if needed. “We’re set up and ready to go if it’s activated,” he said.
Kirkland Public Works maintenance crews have been plowing roadways on 24-hour shifts since the snows arrived and are scheduled to continue until late Christmas Eve. Primary routes in the city are mostly clear and the snow plows are now focused on secondary arterial roadways. Several hilly roadways between Market Street and First Street, however, remain closed. Officials are reminding residents that they are responsible for keeping sidewalks in front of homes and businesses clear of snow and other debris. Public Works Director Daryl Grigsby warned residents to be aware of potential flooding hazards as the snow begins to thaw. Of the 46 known “flood prone” intersections, he said, 124th St. and Totem Lake Blvd. and the I-405 overpass at 116th St. are typically the worst affected.
Kirkland Police kept busy responding to a huge increase in the number of weather-related calls for help, mostly due to dangerous driving conditions. Since the winter storm began, they’ve responded to 58 calls for disabled vehicles and 18 calls alleging reckless driving. Local authorities closed a number of hillside streets due to the treacherous driving conditions and advised motorists to limit trips in their vehicles or stay at home altogether. Over the past week, area highways were largely empty, dotted with abandoned cars as snow piled up on the roadway. Commuters trying to use public transit didn’t fare much better. Many routes ran along snow diversion routes, while over 100 bus routes were canceled systemwide, including Sound Transit’s popular Route 540 from Kirkland to the University of Washington.
