Bomb cyclone storm recovery, assessment motion approved by Council

December 10, 2024

The King County Council on Tuesday approved legislation that will set up help for King County residents recovering from the devastating impacts of last month’s bomb cyclone storm. The storm – with winds recorded as gusting up to 74 mph – destroyed multiple homes on the East and Southeast parts of the county, and damaged others, where the impacts were most dramatic, and left thousands without electricity for days on end.

“We’ve seen firsthand how much a storm like this can impact people’s lives – not just with days-long power outages, but with catastrophic damage to homes, cars and other property – and it’s up to all of us, county government included, to help when our neighbors are in need,” said Councilmember Sarah Perry who sponsored the legislation along with Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Claudia Balducci. “I’m glad for our quick work on this legislation, not only for the immediate relief of residents, but to be that much better prepared for the future.”

The legislation, led by Councilmember Perry and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Dunn and Balducci, asks the Executive to set up a plan to expedite and waive fees for permits needed to help rebuild after the significant storm damage, waive dump fees for cleanup efforts, and set recommendations for a grant recovery program to help residents cover costs of living incurred due to storm impacts, which could include replacement food, short-term hotel costs, debris cleanup and more. The motion also calls for an assessment of the response and recommendations for how King County can better prepare for such a storm in the future.

“Residents of East and Southeast King County bore the brunt of the bomb cyclone, whose nearly 80 mph winds not only caused extreme power outages, but resulted in extensive damage to homes and property,” Dunn said. “These individuals are facing immense costs and effort to put their lives back together, and assisting in the recovery from this natural disaster is a shared responsibility of King County government. I thank my colleagues for prioritizing this important piece of legislation.”

The legislation also asks the Executive to develop an after-action report, conduct a gap analysis to improve future storm responses, and identify legal and policy recommendations for how King County can become more storm resilient in the future.

“The November 19 storm hit our King County communities hard,” Balducci said. “We tragically lost lives in this storm, and I extend my sympathy and condolences to their loved ones. Hundreds of thousands of people lost power, internet access, or both, for many days, including my own family. Knowing that extended outages present safety risks to the people in our communities, and bring economic and other hardships, it’s imperative that we work together with our utility providers and community partners to plan for making our region more resilient to future storms and disasters. I’m proud to join Councilmembers Sarah Perry and Reagan Dunn in sponsoring and making sure King County is doing all we can do to support those who were damaged by the storm and coordinate continuous improvement to be ready for the future.”

A full report on relief options is due back to Council by January 3, 2025, and an after-action report on the storm response is due September, 1, 2025

King County Emergency Management is still collecting reports of damage to residences, so those impacted who haven’t already reported damage should do so at this link. They can also learn more at kcemergency.com. A collaborative effort is also focused on the unincorporated areas of Hobart, Mirrormont, and East Renton Highlands where residents are still need of assistance with clean up. Residents in those areas who want help should send an email to damagereporting@kingcounty.gov and say “Debris Clearing” in the subject line.