The city of Mercer Island issued a social media release today regarding high winds forecasted to reach up to 40 mph in our region. The city encourages residents to keep their cell phones charged and available; have their emergency kits ready; fill up their gas vehicles and charge their EVs; and use non-flame sources of light if power is out.

Never approach downed power lines and don’t use barbecues or other outside gas appliances indoors, the release adds.

Since high winds can cause wet, heavy branches and debris to fall, the city asks residents to keep an eye out for dangling tree limbs or other debris, and to drive safely and watch carefully for standing water.

The city notes that if residents spot downed power lines, they should stay away and contact Puget Sound Energy (PSE). If the lines are arcing or posing a threat, residents should call 911. Islanders can see and track power outages or report new issues on PSE’s website: https://www.pse.com/en/outage/outage-map

Additionally, the city notes: “Public works crews closely monitor the weather and respond to flooded roadways and other maintenance needs. Islanders are encouraged to help by clearing leaves and debris from storm drains in your neighborhoods, if it’s safe to do so. Your assistance goes a long way in keeping things flowing.”

Residents can also report issues online using MI-Connect to help crews respond to issues: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/submit-service-request

The Mercer Island School District (MISD) communications team released the following information, in part, this afternoon to the school community:

“At this time we are not releasing students early today nor have we determined if we are closing or delaying the start of our schools on Wednesday.

“The high winds forecast for this evening after the school day has ended could down trees or potentially cause power outages. We will be monitoring the weather this evening, overnight, and in the early morning.

“If a closure or delay of schools is warranted on Wednesday morning, we will notify the community by 6 a.m. via our communications platforms (email, text, website) and our social media platforms.”

For more information about MISD weather closures and delays, visit: https://www.mercerislandschools.org/connect/snow-closures#fs-panel-9114