Washingtoner - City of Spokane Prepared For Forecasted Winds

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~ Spokane, WA - The National Weather Service has issued a warning for strong winds with gusts of 50 to 65 mph expected to hit the city on Wednesday evening and continue into early Thursday morning. This weather event has the potential to cause widespread tree damage, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions.

According to Erin Hut, Director of Communications and Marketing, the City of Spokane is taking necessary precautions and preparing for the potential impact of these high winds. First responders, Spokane 311, as well as Street and Parks crews are on standby to respond to calls for assistance and reports of damage.

Mayor Lisa Brown urges citizens to prioritize their safety by staying indoors, securing loose items, and staying informed about changing weather conditions. She also assures that the city's first responders, street crews, and 311 teams are ready to respond in case of any damage.

Public safety officials are advising citizens to use extreme caution if they must go out during the high winds. The City has already activated its inclement weather plan which includes additional surge capacity at local shelters for those experiencing homelessness. Bed availability can be found at sheltermespokane.org.

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In case of any trees blocking roadways or downed trees in City parks, citizens can call 3-1-1 for assistance. For trees entangled with power lines, Avista can be contacted at 1-800-277-9187. Residents are also encouraged to report power outages at myAvista.com/outage. In case of emergency situations involving downed power lines, citizens should call 9-1-1 and avoid approaching them. Intersections without power should be treated as four-way stops.

Once the winds subside, City crews will prioritize opening blocked arterials followed by clearing residential streets and general debris removal from streets. Parks teams will assess and manage tree damage in City parks with a focus on addressing safety hazards first before clearing pathways and conducting general clean-up. Residents are advised to avoid parks with visible damage and remain cautious even in areas without apparent damage.

Due to the storm, residential and commercial garbage and recycling customers may experience a delay in service depending on the level of impact. After the storm, citizens can take yard debris to the Waste to Energy facility at 2900 S. Geiger Blvd. Standard criteria apply, with branches less than 3" in diameter and no tree root balls allowed. Residents who need assistance with clearing tree debris from private property are encouraged to refer to the list of licensed arborists at spokanecity.org.

The City of Spokane is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens during this weather event. Citizens are advised to stay informed and follow all safety precautions recommended by public officials.

Filed Under: Government, City

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