Help Arrives For Those Cut Off By Highway 2 Closure

SKYKOMISH, WA — Help was on the way Wednesday morning for those living in communities who have been cut off by an extended closure Highway 2 between Gold Bar and the Stevens Pass summit. Gov. Inslee's office announced the state Department of Emergency Management would bring a convoy of food, water, and fuel between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Community members launched a GoFundMe page Tuesday night to help purchase supplies for those living near Skykomish. By Wednesday afternoon, it had raised nearly $6,000.

Videos posted on social media by local news reporters Wednesday morning showed neighbors buying and unloading hundreds of dollars in firewood.

The Washington State Department of Transportation closed a 32-mile stretch of Highway 2 Sunday night after heavy snow toppled several trees and powerlines, creating an ongoing hazard that more could fall. Wednesday morning, transportation officials opened the road between Gold Bar and Money Creek but cautioned it would likely need to close again.

WSDOT said roads between Money Creek and Skykomish were still unsafe for travel, and powerlines were still down across the roadway. Crews used a helicopter Wednesday afternoon to help blow some of the snow off the trees along the highway.

Inslee's office said emergency management would offer voluntary evacuations Wednesday for anyone wishing to leave the affected areas until the closure is fully lifted. Crews were working within a short window, as windy weather was forecast to return later in the day.

According to Sky Valley Fire, power was restored to the town of Index Tuesday night. Anyone with immediate needs in the area were urged to contact Snohomish County officials at 425-407-3999. Residents of Baring in need of water, fuel, propane or other supplies can call the Skykomish Fire Station at 425-736-7654, or pick up food at the Skykomish Masonic Lodge on the Old Cascade Highway.

Follow the latest updates on the Highway 2/Stevens Pass closure on the WSDOT blog.