Already this week, Kent has experienced a bit of unusual activity.

Starting with the ammonia leak downtown that caused street closures between 6:30 and 10 am yesterday, the week has evolved into a strange snow-rain mix amid speculation that today’s commute will be a bear. Rather than rehash what’s already been said, here are links to the area’s top stories:

Ammonia Leak – Kent Reporter

Ammonia Leak – Seattle Times

Cheaper Garbage Rates beginning April 1

Drive Kent – Driving Conditions

Kent Weather @ Weather.com

KING5 Area Weather

KING5 Closings & Delays

KIRO News Live (video)

KIRO Weather Forecast (video)

Washington DOT Seattle Area Traffic Map (check frequently for blockages and other delays)

Note:  As of 5:11 am, Jan. 12, Kent School District is operating on its planned schedule which includes an early start for KSD elementary school students and a late arrival for middle and high school students.

The City of Kent is activating Severe Weather Shelter at Kent Lutheran Church.

Kent Lutheran Church, 9 P.M. to 7 A.M.
336 2nd Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032-5849

9 P.M.  – Check-in and registration
7 A.M. – shelter closes, clients must vacate

The severe weather shelter (SWS) will be in operation Monday night 12/07/09 and Tuesday night 12/08/09. Priority is given to homeless families with children who are living on the streets or in vehicles, but the SWS will also be available for single women and men.  The SWS will be operated by Catholic Community Services staff, and volunteers from Kent Lutheran Church.

Doors for the SWS will open at 9 P.M.  Clients must register at the door.  As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of all clients and staff and the broader community will apply.

Please spread the word

Just when they thought spring might be near, residents of Kent, Washington awoke to a dusting of snow on the ground and flurries in the air. In addition, the National Weather Service in Seattle issued a high wind advisory with winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 50 mph. The high wind advisory will be in effect until 11 p.m. PDT.

For more weather info., including today’s forecast, visit KING 5′s online weather center.

Growing up in Indiana, I enjoyed the massive lake effect snow we got every winter. Our cities were well-equipped to tackle the snow and ice, so we didn’t miss school very often…but there was always plenty of snow to play in. I remember snow tunnels, forts, sledding until my fingers were frozen, and snowball fights.

Fast forward to 2008 and I am in awe of the snow we’ve seen in Kent this year. I’ve lived in Washington for five and a half years and have never seen snow like this here. We have at least 10 inches at our house, not to mention thick layers of ice. Some roads are closed, others are impassable and the rest are just plain messy. So if you have to travel this week, please be careful. There is more snow and ice to come. Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy watching it from my office window as I make the most of this weather-induced break.

Happy Holidays!

Dana, Virtually Yourz