SEATTLE, WA — A historic winter storm swept through the Puget Sound region this week, burying Seattle under 8 inches of snow and grinding the city to a halt. Dubbed “Snowmageddon 2025” by meteorologists, the storm caused mass power outages, canceled flights at Sea-Tac Airport, and stranded hundreds of drivers overnight—including a collision involving three vehicles on I-5 that required emergency responders to shut down the highway for hours. Amid the chaos, homeowners faced a hidden crisis: burst pipes, collapsed roofs, and garage doors rendered useless by ice and freezing temperatures.
Garage Doors: Silent Victims of the Storm
Local repair crews worked around the clock to address a surge in garage door failures, from shattered panels caused by falling tree limbs to frozen motors locking residents out of their homes. Seattle Garage Masters, a local service provider, reported a 400% increase in calls during the storm’s peak.
“Many older garage doors aren’t built to handle this level of ice accumulation,” said Lisa Nguyen, a technician with 15 years of experience. “We’re seeing doors buckle under the pressure or sensors fail entirely. Insulated, reinforced doors are becoming a necessity, not a luxury.”
Why Garage Integrity Can’t Be Ignored
As the most vulnerable entry point to a home, garage doors are critical during extreme weather. Key risks exposed by the storm include:
- Ice dams jamming tracks and bending hinges.
- Power surges frying opener systems during outages.
- Structural fatigue from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Residents in Magnolia, West Seattle, and Bellevue are increasingly investing in heavy-duty steel doors with heated tracks—a precaution now recommended by local contractors.
Community Recovery Efforts
- Puget Sound Energy restored electricity to 30,000+ households by February 16.
- Neighborhood Coalitions: Volunteers in Capitol Hill and Fremont organized shoveling brigades to clear driveways for elderly residents.
- State Aid: Washington’s Emergency Home Repair Program expanded funding for storm-related damages, including garage door replacements.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
For ongoing coverage of Seattle’s recovery and tips to safeguard your home, visit Seattle News Today. Facing a garage door emergency? Contact Seattle Garage Masters for 24/7 support.
🔗 Track live weather updates: Seattle Storm Watch 2025
📸 Credit: Grant Hindsley/The Seattle Times
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