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12/14/2008: "Icy Roads, County Open on Schedule"

More snow in the forecast, with the National Weather Service forecasting more snow Tuesday night & into Wednesday. High temperatures at or below freezing through the end of the week.

Long term weather models saying it might stay near or below freezing until the end of the year.

The District Court, Auditor’s Office, Treasurer’s office and Assessor were all staffed by 8:30 a.m. Monday, though a few employees were delayed by slick roads -and in one case- a downed tree blocking a driveway.

Some accommodations were made - Council Members Gene Knapp and Alan Lichter of Orcas, and Bob Myhr who lives on Lopez, all participated in the Monday Council work session via conference call, rather than travel to Friday Harbor.

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC), cancelled it’s 11:45 a.m. meeting. SWAC Chair George Post said he would reschedule the session for later in the month -if possible. The committee has been working long hours to produce a recommendation to the Council on a site for the replacement of the San Juan Island Transfer Station.

Public Works Operations Manager Russ Harvey said that County road crews worked late Saturday and all day Sunday sanding priority areas and clearing fallen tree limbs. “Conditions are pretty consistent county-wide,” he said. “We have compacted snow and ice on most roads. People need to drive carefully.”

Sheriff Bill Cumming reported surprisingly few weather-related problems. “We’ve had a few people slip off the road, but no serious accidents. For the most part people are paying attention and driving slow and carefully.”

Brendan Cowan, Director of Emergency Management, said it is worth taking a moment to reminder islanders of a few key things:


• Please take a moment to check in on neighbors or those who might need an extra hand. Islanders have long relied on one another in times of need, and that tradition is just as important today.
• Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you or someone you know is suffering due to the weather. Warming shelters are ready to be opened on each of the islands if needed, and a wide array of community resources are available to help those in need.

• Power outages should be reported directly to OPALCO at 376-3599.

• Road crews are actively sanding the roads, but islanders need to use extreme caution while driving. Don’t drive if you can avoid it, but if you do, go slow, leave yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, and put on chains or cables if in doubt.

• Sidewalks are also treacherous for pedestrians. Be extremely careful, and if you are unsteady on your feet, be cautious about walking outside alone if you are far from help.

• Reports are coming in of pipes freezing. If not caught now, when temperatures warm, this will mean extensive flooding, water damage, and loss of pressure to water systems. When the thaw comes, take a moment to check on empty houses in your neighborhood or that belong to people you know to look for ruptured pipes.

• For tips on dealing with ruptured pipes, driving in snow, and other winter weather wisdom, go HERE .