Power Outages and Windstorms

Crews work to restore power after a storm

Looking for Power Outage Information?

Residents should call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 to report power outages and hear about service updates. Information is also available on PSE's website, which has an outage map with estimated repair times. Most often, this is the same information used by the City.

Please do not call 911 for non-emergency questions, such as power outage duration or reasons for the outage.

Remember: never touch or approach closer than 35 feet to a downed powerline, because it might still be energized. Do not drive over a powerline as you may pull the pole down onto your car. If a powerline falls onto your car in a windstorm, you should stay inside the vehicle and wait for help.

Carbon Monoxide

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never burn charcoal or use gasoline-powered equipment indoors for heating or cooking. It’s also advised to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Fallen Trees

During regular business hours (7:30am-3:30pm, Mon-Fri) report trees blocking the City Right-of-Way by calling the Public Works Dept at: (206) 275-7608

Outside of business hours, or on weekends, call the City's 24/7 Dispatch Center at: (425) 577-5656

Winter Storms

In case a winter storm does hit, residents are urged to:

Have personal supplies, including coats, hats, gloves and blankets ready to help you stay warm.
Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
Keep vehicles full of gas.
Charge cell phones ahead of time.
Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.

Emergency Kits

In addition, make sure to have an emergency preparedness kit in your home that includes:

A battery-powered radio, along with extra batteries, that can tune in to AM 710 KIRO, AM 1000 KOMO, and Mercer Island Radio Station FM 88.9 or FM 94.5
Battery-operated flashlights, and backup power to charge your cellphone
A corded landline phone (cordless phones will not work when the power is out)
Food and water that will last your family for several days
Do not operate generators or gas grills indoors

Stay Informed

During emergencies, the City of Mercer Island will keep its citizens informed through:

Radio on AM 710 KIRO, AM 1000 KOMO, and Mercer Island Radio Station FM 88.9 or FM 94.5
City Information phone line: call (206) 275-7600
City Website News Releases
Social Media Posts
Let's Talk Mercer Island (extensive storm info and updates)
Local Cable TV Channel 21 (updates from City Mgr or Council)
Automated Alert System (for major emergencies)

Mercer Island Wind Exposure and Wind Speed-Up (Topographic Effect)

Wind Map: It is the responsibility of the Owner (or their Design Professional) to review site conditions and determine the Kzt factor to be utilized for each specific project. The Kzt factors and wind exposure categories indicated on this map are the minimum values accepted by the City of Mercer Island without requiring the design professional to submit additional calculations and supporting topographic documentation (to verify the values utilized in their wind load determination).