Find Posts By Topic

First major Fall storm system of the season moves into Seattle this weekend

Rain and gusty winds will move into Seattle on Friday, September 17 and remain in the area through the weekend, with the heaviest rain anticipated on Friday night.  

Rain and wind can lead to tree damage and power outages, and heavy rain can create hazardous driving conditions due to flooding and low visibility. Here are some tips to help you get ready for storm season. 

Storm Preparedness and Safety 

Power outages are unfortunately inevitable and inconvenient. In the event of an outage, Seattle City Light (SCL) crews work 24/7 to make sure your home or business stay safe and power is restored as quickly as possible. 

Preparing for planned and unplanned outages can go a long way to keep you and your family safe and comfortable or protect your business in the event of an outage. Check the batteries in your flashlights, camping lanterns, and other flame-free backup lighting options now, before power goes out. Avoid candles and other open flames, as they can cause dangerous and deadly fires.  

If power does go out in your area, you can report the outage by calling (206) 684-3000. You can also view the status of an outage with our outage map. Once the power is out, avoid opening refrigerators and freezers to keep food cold. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to emergency services by calling 9-1-1 immediately.  

For more outage safety tips and information, visit SCL’s Preparing for an Outage and What to Do in a Power Outage pages.  

When storms bring high winds and heavy rain, avoid travel if you can – there may be flooding, debris, and downed power lines on roadways. For flooding and ponding issues, sewer backups, sewer overflows or blocked culvert or creeks, call the Seattle Public Utilities Operations Response Center 24/7 at (206) 386-1800. 

Keep leaves and debris from blocking drains. Clear your drain only if it is safe. Stand on the sidewalk or parking strip (not in the road!) and use tools (not your hands). Place materials in yard waste or garbage as appropriate. 

Find It, Fix It Service Request Mobile App 

Report non-emergency storm-related damage and other issues in Seattle using the Find It, Fix It app. You can report issues like clogged storm drains, streetlight damage or outages, damaged street signs, and malfunctioning traffic signals. 

AlertSeattle 

AlertSeattle is the City of Seattle’s official emergency alert system. Residents, workers, and visitors are encouraged to sign up to receive free text, email, or phone call alerts when emergencies are happening in their area. You’ll receive alerts for things like major road closures, severe storms, high winds, and other hazards. This system is also used to share information during disasters like earthquake and tsunamis. 

If you’re already signed up, it’s a good time to log into your account and make sure your contact and location information are up-to-date! If you’ve moved, changed phone numbers, or want to add family members to your alerts, click here to log in and update your profile

If you’re not registered to receive alerts, signing up is quick and easy! Simply visit Alert.Seattle.gov and click Sign Up to Receive Emergency Alerts, or text the word SEATTLE to 67283 to instantly receive text message alerts from AlertSeattle. You can also follow AlertSeattle on Twitter and Facebook.