NOAA Storm Warning notice by City of Maple Valley and the Maple Valley ECC

Please be safe this weekend and be prepared.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is about to issue a winter storm warning. NOAA considers a warning to be an imminent or occurring weather event. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION AND CONSIDERED TO BE AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STORM. People should plan to stay indoors if at all possible starting Saturday morning.

A very dangerous winter storm is going to disrupt transportation and power in the State beginning Saturday. Specific to the Maple Valley area expect the following:

Strong winds gusting up to 75 mph in the Enumclaw, Black Diamond areas. It is likely that sustained winds will be from 25-35 mph in the Renton, Kent East Hills, and possible higher in the Maple Valley area from about 4PM Saturday to about 10 PM Saturday, but could start earlier and last longer. 1-3" of snow is expected. A high potential exists for extended power outages from downed power lines and falling trees. Winds coming westward off the Cascades are expected to be 50 mph or above, sustained.

For more information about warnings in other areas of the state, please use the following resources:

nwac.us

weather.gov/Seattle

wsdot.wa.gov

www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare

Emergency preparedness planning suggests that each person be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.