Weather Preparedness
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Learn more how you can be prepared, stay safe, and get informed for weather-related service disruptions and emergencies.
Preparing for Rainstorms
Heavy rain can cause flooding, and, in some areas of Seattle, it can also overwhelm the sewer system and cause sewer backups and overflows.
SPU crews prepare for Seattle’s wet weather by checking key parts of our drainage system to clean it, perform maintenance, and make needed repairs.
- Prevent flooding by raking leaves and safely clearing your storm drain. Learn more about storm drain care and setting out extra yard waste (In November, SPU household customers can set out up to 10 bags of extra yard waste every collection date for FREE!)
- Let us know if a clogged storm drain can’t be cleared or is unsafe to clear using the Find It, Fix It app.
- Signup for AlertSeattle, the City of Seattle’s official emergency alert system, and stay updated about the City’s winter storm response.
- Learn more about preparing for storms and flooding.
- Call (206) 386-1800 (interpretation services available) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report flooding or sewer backups.
- Report non-emergency storm-related damage and other issues in Seattle using the Find It, Fix It app.
- Learn more about flood response.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Winter weather can cause frozen water pipes and unsafe road conditions for SPU contracted haulers, who collect garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste.
SPU works hard to prepare for these challenges so that, when winter storms occur, we can address impacts and support the community we serve.
- Protect your home from water pipe breaks by disconnecting garden hoses, insulating outdoor pipes and spigots, and insulating pipes in your crawl space, basement, or attic. Learn more about preparing your water pipes.
- Download the Recycle It App on your smartphone or tablet to stay updated about collection delays due to unsafe snowy and icy road conditions.
- Follow SPU on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for tips on how to prepare and information when winter weather hits.
- Signup for AlertSeattle, the City of Seattle’s official emergency alert system, and stay updated about the City’s winter storm response.
Frozen Pipes
Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and break. If that happens you should:
Immediately close the main shut-off valve, which is usually in a basement, crawlspace, or garage, to stop flooding. If you cannot turn off the main shut-off valve, SPU customers can call (206) 386-1800 and a crew will turn off the water at the meter for a service charge.
Learn more about what to do if a water pipe breaks.
Collection Disruptions
SPU monitors the forecast and stays in close communications with our contracted haulers. SPU will send notification if unsafe road conditions will delay your garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collections.
Check out the following for updates throughout the storm and winter weather event: