WINTER STORM WARNING

from the NOAA:

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service
204 PM PST Mon Jan 5 2026

Lower Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest-
Including the cities of Appleton, Cle Elum, and Cliffdell
204 PM PST Mon Jan 5 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TUESDAY TO 4 PM
PST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 7 to 10
inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest.

* WHEN...From 4 AM Tuesday to 4 PM PST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Significant snowfall with periods of heavy snowfall
rates will combine with low visibility to create very difficult
driving conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday morning
through Tuesday Evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely
necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter
storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains,
booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.
Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help
you survive in case you become stranded.

Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your
electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways
and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=WAZ523&warncounty=WAC037&firewxzone=WAZ695&local_place1=2%20Miles%20ENE%20Cle%20Elum%20WA&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning&lat=47.2073&lon=-120.902

WAZ523-060730-
/O.CON.KPDT.WS.W.0001.260106T1200Z-260109T0000Z/

TAKE NOTE (1/1/26):

UPDATE 1/5/26 - GETTING CLOSER - Just $333 left to go by Friday, Jan. 9th!

LAST CHANCE REMINDER - we're just $685 shy of our goal of raising $2,000 for ARRF Animal Rescue this holiday season through the NKC Tribune's "Buddy's Buddies Pet Giving Tree" in our lobby. Help us "Paw It Forward" in memory of our beloved previous orange tabby office cat, Buddy. You can make it on behalf of current pet(s) or in memory of pet(s) that have joined Buddy across the Rainbow Bridge. 100% of donations are given to ARRF Animal Rescue to use to help local pets in need with food, spays & neuters, veterinary care and shelter expenses. Donations can be dropped off through Friday, Jan. 9, 2025 at the Tribune office at 807 W. Davis St., by Safeway in Cle Elum, or mailed to "Buddy's Buddies, c/o NKC Tribune, PO Box 308, Cle Elum, WA 98922.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PSE:

Puget Sound Energy preparing for more storms during the holidays
PSE encourages customers to prepare for potential power outages

BELLEVUE, Wash. (Dec. 23, 2025) – Puget Sound Energy (PSE) urges customers to prepare for potential power outages this holiday week as a significant windstorm approaches our region Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

This storm comes on the heels of over a week of severe weather, including heavy rain and flooding. Heavily saturated ground increases the risk of trees falling over, which can cause damage to both underground and overhead power lines.

PSE’s meteorologist is watching the incoming storm, which they say has the potential to push wind speeds past 50 mph in some areas of western Washington.

"We know how important the holidays are for spending time with loved ones, and how disruptive it is to be without power, especially after recent outages caused by high winds and heavy rain. We are proactively staffing first responders and crews to prepare and are encouraging our customers to prepare their homes and emergency kits now," said a company representative.

Storm Safety Info:

As PSE works to safely restore your power, please follow these tips to keep your home and business safe.
- Assume all wires on the ground are energized. Never touch or go within 35 feet of any wire on the ground. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report any wire on the ground.
- If you’re using portable heaters, keep them away from furniture, draperies, and other flammable materials.
- Always use flashlights instead of candles.
- Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Never install or use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those that are ventilated. When using your generator outdoors during a power outage, avoid placing it near windows, doors and vents. More generator safety tips: pse.com/en/pages/generator-safety
- Never use a natural gas range for heating, or charcoal as an indoor heating or cooking source.
- Additional carbon monoxide safety information: pse.com/en/pages/carbon-monoxide
- Never charge your phone or other devices in a running vehicle with the garage door closed.
- Make sure that natural gas appliances are maintained and operated according to manufacturer's recommendations.

In the event of a flood:
- If your gas meter becomes partially or fully submerged in flood waters, report it by calling PSE at 1-888-225-5773.
- Stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or electrical outlets below the water line may pose a hazard.
- Know the signs of a possible gas leak: a “rotten egg” smell, bubbling in standing water, or a hissing sound near the damaged equipment. If you notice any of these signs, leave the area right away. Avoid anything that might spark, then call 911 and PSE at 1-888-225-5773 once you're safe. Learn more at PSE.com/GasSafety.

Report, track outages
http://pse.com/storm
Online outage reporting: pse.com/outage
Outage map: pse.com/outagemap
myPSE mobile app: pse.com/app