City Declares Emergency in Response to Windstorm

Sammamish City Manager Scott MacColl proclaimed a civil emergency on Nov. 22 after major winds toppled trees and knocked out power throughout the city during the heavy winds and rain that started on Nov. 19. The event caused widespread and extended power outages, communications disruptions, property damage, and other infrastructure failures. 

City crews have been working around the clock to ensure critical infrastructure and systems are functioning as well as possible to support the essential needs of the community during this time.

The City Manager is authorized to proclaim the existence of a civil emergency in the city whenever a situation requires extraordinary measures to protect the safety of people and property in the city. The emergency declaration allows the City to use emergency powers to aid the response to the storm, which may include additional supplies, equipment and services to support the City’s ongoing work to clear roads, support community members and ensure equipment and infrastructure are working properly. It could also allow the City to quickly contract with service providers to access needed assistance in storm recovery.

The City continues to post regular updates on its social media channels and on the city website as crews respond to the aftermath of the storm and restore essential city functions.