November 2024 Wind Storm
Published on November 20, 2024
Updated Dec 2, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
As most issues related to this weather event have been resolved, the City will no longer be updating this event page.
Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett issued a message to the community about the windstorm and next steps.
Take our storm feedback survey
Road Closures
Road closures are updated continuously as the data is received. There are currently no road closures related to this event. Last update: 12:00 PM, Monday, December 2, 2024
Announcements
Waste Management
There are no Service Alerts active at this time. For more information visit www.wmnorthwest.com/kirkland.
Report Damage to King County
King County Emergency Management wants to know if last week’s windstorm caused you any damages. This information may help Washington request disaster assistance from FEMA. If your primary residence or business was damaged by the weather, learn more and report your damages to King County.
Debris
In response to remaining debris from the storm event, single family residential customers can put out 3 free yard waste extras (32-gallon paper yard bags) through Thursday December 5 pickup from WM.
Yard waste set out instructions:
- Paper yard waste bags (available at home and garden stores), or
- 32-gal cans with handles & lids (65 lb. limit) labeled “Yard” or
- Bundles tied with sisal twine (4’x2’ limit)
- Please do not put out a pile of branches, WM will not pick up.
All storm debris on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. City staff removes debris in the public right-of-way only.
King County Solid Waste is waiving yard waste fees at the Bow Lake, Cedar Falls, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon facilities. King
County residents can drop off tree limbs and other woody debris at no cost from Saturday, Nov. 23 to Monday, December 9 at any of those facilities.
More details on the King County website. *Note* King County Solid Waste is pausing storm debris drop-off at all King County transfer stations from Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 1, and are closed Thanksgiving Day, November 28. They tentatively plan to resume free wood debris drop off on Saturday, December 7.
King County Libraries
Kingsgate Library has resumed regular business hours.
Kirkland Library has resumed regular business hours.
For the latest, check kcls.org
Charging Stations
All public buildings (City facilities, public libraries, etc) are open to the public during regular business hours and have power for charging and heat.
- North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave NE) 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Peter Kirk Community Center (352 Kirkland Ave) 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- City Hall (123 5th Ave)
Parks Recreation
Recreation programs are running as scheduled, and community centers are open normal hours.
Safety Information
Emergencies
- Keep 911 lines open for fire and police emergencies.
- Kirkland Non Emergency phone number 425-577-5656
Road Safety and Conditions
- When you come to a dark traffic signal, treat it as an all-way stop. Drive cautiously and stay alert.
- To report a road blocked by trees, please provide information to our 24/7 line 425-587-3900. City of Kirkland staff will respond to your request as resources become available.
- To report a tree down on a power line, please contact Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 or at www.pse.com
- Check if your bus route is impacted by weather at King County Metro Service Advisories
- Check street conditions with the City’s 30 real-time traffic cameras - note: cameras are currently offline, but will be online as soon as possible.
- For road conditions beyond Kirkland: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/
Health and Safety
- Public Health Seattle and King County has guidance for food safety and power outages here.
- For warming centers around the region, visit https://kcemergency.com/
- Always operate generators outside with proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information, check out Public Health - Seattle and King County.
- Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume downed power lines are live and pose a serious safety risk.
Stay Informed
Fire Alarm Systems
- Fire Alarm Systems: During a power outage, backup batteries can power the fire alarm system for up to 24 hours in standby mode, plus five minutes in full alarm. Prolonged power outages will drain batteries quickly! If your building loses power to its fire alarm system, refer to the Fire Department’s Fire Watch Policy, available here: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/fire/fire-pdfs/operating-policies/operating-policy-3-fire-watch.pdf. When power is restored, you may see “trouble signals” on the alarm panel. Contact a fire alarm technician to replace the batteries and restore the system to normal operation.
- Emergency lighting: Backup batteries for emergency lighting are designed to last 90 minutes to allow safe exits during an emergency. Some buildings have emergency generators to power the emergency lighting system for extended periods. Batteries will need to be replaced when power returns.
Trees
Have tree damage post-storm? Maybe major pruning or tree removal that needs to happen? But you don't know what to do?
Step 1: Document Everything
Proper documentation ensures smooth communication and avoids permit issues later. Here’s how to take the right photos:
- Capture the entire tree in one frame.
- Photograph property damage and the area where the tree fell.
- Take close-ups of the point of failure—whether it’s a broken trunk, snapped branch, or uprooted roots.
Step 2: Assess and Report Tree Damage
• Notify the City for Storm-Related tree failures. Report fallen or heavily damaged trees using the Private Tree Removal Notification Guide. No permit fees apply for emergency removal notifications.
• Trees that lose their tops or have over 25% of their canopy broken due to storm damage should also be reported.
• Find pruning tips and advice on the City's Tree Pruning Page. Proper pruning can save a damaged tree and prevent further issues.
• If the remainder of your tree is standing and does not show obvious signs of failure, it may be ok to retain. Trees that have not failed or are not a high risk will require a city permit to manage. Use the Tree Permit Guide and follow an easy questionnaire to guide you.
If trees are in contact with power lines, PSE should be notified at 1-888-225-5773 or https://www.pse.com/en/pages/tree-trimming/Contact-form
Why Notify the City?
Failing to notify the City about tree failures or severe canopy loss can impact your future permitting options. Save yourself hassle down the line by keeping the city informed.
Additionally, the City uses tree loss data to improve services and future tree planting events.
From storm recovery to long-term tree care, explore resources at kirklandwa.gov/Trees
And the Arbor Day Foundation has The Morning After a Storm guide.
Take action now to ensure your yard and trees recover safely and within city guidelines!