On Monday, Feb. 24 a violent wind storm swept through the Seattle area, leaving the streets and yards of Mercer Island filled with debris and thousands of people without power in and around the Mercer Island area. 

The storm brewed early on Monday with dark skies and rounds of rain hitting the area. By the late afternoon, gusts of wind began to hit 50-60 mph and rain continued to fall. The state issued flood watches and warnings, wind advisories and high surf advisories in multiple areas throughout the state.

Throughout the night, the storm could be heard throughout the Island. Trees fell, power lines went down, branches scattered the street and puddles turned into fully flooded ponds. The effects could be seen more clearly the morning of the 25th. 

MIHS Communications sent out an email, 47 minutes after school had already started, reminding students to “Travel Safely.” No information was sent out the night before or early in the morning before school on Tuesday to warn students that the storm could have a potential effect on having or being able to arrive at school.