Strong weather conditions from the recent ‘bomb cyclone’ event have led to massive power outages, school closures and multiple road closures in Kent, as fallen trees and damaged utility poles create hazardous conditions across the city.
Officials announced at least eight road closures Wednesday morning, Nov. 20, 2024, with an indefinite timeline for reopening as crews work to address the damage.
Key closures include:
- SE 208th Street between 132nd Ave SE to 140th Ave for trees in power lines.
- S 200th Street between Talbot Rd to 93rd Ave S. for telephone poles in roads.
- 116th Ave SE between SE 208th Street and SE 210th Place for trees in power lines.
- Tree blocking intersection at 130th Ave SE and SE 218th Place.
- 124th Ave SE between SE 208th Street and SE 202nd Place for trees in power line and car on tree.
- Central between Smith Street and James Street for telephone pole severely leaning into traffic.
- W. Meeker Street and 6th Ave for trees in power lines.
- 125th Ave SE and SE 216th Street for fallen tree blocking both lanes.
Crews are working to remove debris and repair infrastructure, but city officials have not yet determined when the roads will reopen.
Residents are advised to avoid these areas, remain vigilant for ongoing weather hazards, and monitor updates from the City of Kent for reopening announcements.
All Kent School District Schools Closed
All Kent Schools were also closed on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 due to the storm.
Power’s Out for 416,488
The windstorm caused extensive damage to Puget Sound Energy’s system late afternoon yesterday and into last night, and PSE officials said that as of 5:20 a.m. Wednesday morning, they have 416,488 customers out of power.
“Our focus today is on critical infrastructure and public safety, as PSE has been fielding many 911 calls for safety/emergency needs,” PSE said.
With daylight approaching, crews will continue assessing more of the overall damage to the region and provide restoration updates as information becomes available.
“We anticipate a multiple day outage and encourage customers with critical needs to make alternate plans as we work to assess the situation and restore power.”
Check PSE’s outage map here:
https://www.pse.com/outage/outage-map
Other Closures
All scheduled Kent Parks programs and classes for Wednesday, Nov. 20 are CANCELLED, including Youth, Adult, and Adult 50+ programs, as well as the ShoWalk program at the accesso ShoWare Center.
There will also be no after school programs today – this includes After School Energy and Meridian After School.
The Kent Commons Community Center and Kent Senior Activity Center have power and will remain open and operating normal business hours today; all drop-in programs at these locations will be offered as usual, including the lunch program at the Senior Center.
However, Riverbend Golf Complex is open and operating normal hours.
“Park Operations crews will be out and assessing any and all damages to our parks and natural areas today,” officials said. “While we encourage residents to avoid forested areas and trees in our parks, if you do choose to venture out, please be mindful of debris and fallen branches and report any issues to KentWorks (download Apple App here, Google App here).”
Severe winds from this evening's bomb cyclone ripped through western Washington, causing a mass outage event throughout most of our service area, with the biggest impact in King County. #WAwx (1/7) pic.twitter.com/NMeoDSkexY
— Puget Sound Energy (@PSETalk) November 20, 2024
Safety first – with reports of extensive downed lines, please remember to never touch or go within 35 feet of downed power lines because they might be energized. Field crews are also seeing many fallen trees, causing blocked roads and restricting access. #WAwx (1/2) pic.twitter.com/ndeCV74bq8
— Puget Sound Energy (@PSETalk) November 20, 2024
