Severe storm damage in western Washington has raised significant concerns for local economies dependent on Highway 2. The road remains closed from milepost 50 near Skykomish to Leavenworth due to landslides, washouts, and flooding.
Impact on Local Economies
Highway 2 is a vital route for visitors to the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth and Stevens Pass Ski Resort. The closure comes during a critical period, particularly as Leavenworth typically attracts large crowds for its annual “Village of Lights” event.
- Leavenworth experienced a power outage until the morning of Saturday, following the storm.
- The Chamber of Commerce announced that the holiday display will be postponed to next weekend.
As the area anticipates winter tourists, the Chamber has stated that the full financial impact won’t be evident until the New Year. Meanwhile, Stevens Pass Ski Resort has yet to open this season due to limited snowfall and the recent spate of warm rain, which further affected the ski conditions.
Responses from Local Businesses
Businesses along the highway, relying heavily on winter traffic, report a noticeable decline in customers. Taylor Coniber, an employee at LouSki’s Deli in Skykomish, mentioned that business has been slower than usual, impacting revenue.
- Skykomish was severely impacted, with flooding causing several inches of water in local schools and homes.
- Power outages have left residents without electricity, pushing some businesses to rely on generators.
Coniber expressed her concerns about the long-term impacts of the highway closure. “There’s no doubt it will affect our customers,” she said, referring to uncertainty around the timeline for repairs by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Future Considerations
The ongoing repairs are essential for restoring access to popular destinations in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, community leaders and business owners are closely monitoring developments.
Many residents have echoed the daunting effects of the storm, emphasizing that this flooding is among the worst in recent memory. Coniber remarked, “The cost of having a highway along a river can bring significant consequences.”
As assessments and recovery efforts progress, the focus will remain on supporting local businesses and reinstating important travel routes for the area’s economic stability.
