The city of Mercer Island issued an urgent shelter-in-place alert at 12:15 p.m. today (Nov. 20) for residents that reside between the 4200 to 4600 blocks of East Mercer Way and between the 7400 to 7800 blocks of Island Crest Way due to significant downed power lines, hazardous trees and dangerous debris blocking the roadway.

The city said it is unsafe to walk, bike or drive these roads, and residents are urged not to recreate in these areas. Residents in these areas will also receive a CodeRed emergency alert with this information.

“Residents who are away should not return to these neighborhoods until further notice is given. Continue to call 911 in the event of an emergency while sheltering in place. Do not leave your residence unless it is a life-threatening emergency,” the city said.

Emergency personnel are closely monitoring the situation, and the city will share an update when it is safe to end the shelter-in-place emergency.

For now, all Island residents should also avoid treed area parks and forested open spaces due to unknown hazards, such as failing trees, in these areas.