Emergency management crews prepare ahead of this week's storms

SNOHOMISH, Wash. -- As a blast of fall storms are expected in Western Washington this week, emergency management agencies all over the region are keeping a close eye on conditions and are starting to prepare the roads.

In Snohomish County, crews are looking especially closely at Highway 2, where frost and black ice could be an issue as early as Wednesday.

Stormy weather could really impact the roads, which is why emergency management officials warn this is the time to get prepared.

Crews around the region are also doing their part.  Snohomish County Public Works filled trucks with sand Monday, so problem roads are treated when the storms hit.

“It’s that time of the year, we always get prepared,” said Snohomish County Public Works Operations Manager Alan Smith. “I don’t foresee any problems but we’re just here to make sure we’re loaded up and ready to go.”

The county’s emergency management officials are also encouraging drivers to get their homes and cars prepared ahead of the stormy weather.

“Just as it’s recommended for the personal cars, I keep water in here, I keep blankets in here,” said  “We keep extra clothing and food, all those extra things that you would want to have along if you get isolated somewhere,” said Randy Fay, a search and rescue volunteer with Snohomish County Emergency Management.

Many of the Emergency Management officials tell me they are in standby mode.

In Pierce County, volunteers with the Riverwatch Program are prepared to monitor water levels in case of flooding.