Turn Back Time
Daylight saving time ends on November 1, 2026 at 2 AM — remember to turn your clocks back one hour. This annual reminder affects all Maple Valley residents, so mark your calendars and don’t miss the extra hour of sleep!
Alerts
Road closures pile up this week as WSDOT races to beat fall weather
WSDOT is ramping up road work this week before fall weather sets in, with multiple overnight closures across the region through October 16. Maple Valley drivers heading north should note southbound I-5 lane closures between SR 516 and S 272nd St. nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., plus I-90 closures near Snoqualmie through October 16 for utility work. Check WSDOT alerts before traveling on major highways.
The 2026 Wildfire Season is Fast Approaching
Washington faces a concerning 2026 wildfire season ahead. An exceptionally warm winter left record-low snowpack across the state, especially east of the Cascades, and a dry spring has further desiccated vegetation. The Northwest Coordination Center forecasts above-normal wildfire potential in eastern Washington in June, spreading statewide by August. An emerging El Niño event could bring warmer, drier conditions and northerly winds that transport smoke into western Washington more frequently than recent years. Smoke-Ready Week runs June 1-5 to help residents prepare.
‘Politicians are the ones that can do something’: Former King County sheriff urges stronger prevention efforts after Bend school shooting
A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon on October 15 killed three children and a teacher, with two others critically injured. Former King County Sheriff John Urquhart discussed the tragedy on KIRO Newsradio, calling for stronger prevention efforts, faster police responses, and community reporting of warning signs. He also advocated for increased police staffing in Seattle and King County to improve emergency response times.
Machete bus attack suspect currently missing after leaving King County treatment center
Daniel Couch, who attacked a King County Metro bus with a machete near the Chinatown International District in July, escaped from Electronic Home Detention at Sea Mar Turning Point Treatment Center on Saturday. His GPS monitoring device stopped working approximately two hours after he left the facility, and he hasn’t been seen since. The King County Prosecutor’s Office has issued an arrest warrant and considers him dangerous to the community.
Route 40 project enters final construction phase in Ballard, Fremont, and beyond
Seattle’s Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project is in its final construction phase, with crews completing finishing work in Ballard, Fremont, Westlake, and North Seattle. Final tasks include sidewalk repairs, landscaping restoration, sign installation, and pavement markings. Residents may see temporary lane restrictions and construction activity through the coming months as the project wraps up.
More rain is expected after bad flooding in the Four Corners region led to rescues and evacuations
Severe flooding in the Four Corners region where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet has caused hundreds of power outages, evacuations, and overnight rescues. San Juan County emergency crews staged 20 rescues near Farmington and Shiprock, New Mexico, with about 1,500 people without power and 600 homes evacuated. Heavy rains—4 inches from Wednesday through Friday with more expected Saturday—fell on already-saturated ground, closing highways and bridges. Authorities warn rivers are expected to rise again as additional rain is forecast.
More flooding possible in Four Corners region after days of heavy rain
Heavy rain and flooding have impacted the Four Corners region where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch Sunday as residents dealt with evacuation fallout, contaminated floodwaters, and power outages. While no deaths were reported, San Juan County officials expect ongoing recovery efforts in the coming days.