West Seattle snow: 2nd Monday report – trouble everywhere

LATEST TOPLINES 10:30 PM: ****School updates – Seattle Public Schools all closed Tuesday; several more school changes here … Metro will be on snow routes again Tuesday and expecting some cancellations … West Seattle (high) Bridge *open* … **Low bridge now reported blocked westbound by bus trouble**. Alaskan Way Viaduct has reopened … Buses have taken HOURS to get to WS … 1st Ave S. Bridge open but having problems. Roxbury/Myers hill to/from 509 *slippery*. Highland Park Way closed. Admiral Hill miserable. SW Yancy “sheet of ice”; many other West Seattle roads, especially the hilliest, also having trouble – avoid driving. Seattle Public Library branches closed early (6 pm).

(Refresh for latest pic from WS Bridge camera, looking eastbound, and 1st Ave. S. Bridge cam, more on the WSB Traffic cams page)
FIRST UPDATE, 12:20 PM: It’s been snow-showery off and on all morning – our video is from about half an hour ago:

But both the National Weather Service‘s “winter storm warning” (in effect till 10 pm) and online forecaster Cliff Mass‘s latest dispatch suggest the worst could be yet to come. SDOT managers told the City Council in a morning briefing that 25 of their 30 trucks are already out and about – we spotted this one a short time ago in The Junction:

We’re launching the afternoon coverage now – thanks to everyone who shared road (etc.) reports in the morning edition. Note that most schools are letting out early – here’s the roundup of all the information we have. Also, many evening events have been canceled, such as programs at Seattle Parks community centers (full list of Parks facilities changes/cancellations, here). As for buses: Metro remains on snow routes (latest info here, and remember to sign up for alerts). Other road info: Here’s the city “Travelers’ Information Map.”

1:32 PM: While there’s something of a lull before the threatened blast of afternoon snow and wind – not to mention, commute information regardless of conditions – we’re publishing some other news – scroll BELOW this story on the WSB home page (this will be “stuck” to the top but newer news will appear beneath it). Here’s a video clip, by the way, shot by Danny Gawlowski from the Seattle Times (WSB partners) – brothers Michael and Anthony Dimitre building a little snowman south of The Junction:

2:04 PM UPDATE: School addition – South Seattle Community College has just closed, no evening classes. That’s added to our school list.

2:37 PM UPDATE: The snow and the wind are picking up. (No new forecast likely till later this afternoon, but here’s the newest one, if you haven’t seen it.)

3:53 PM UPDATE: Commute in full swing, as is windblown snow. Multiple trouble reports coming in. The West Seattle Bridge westbound is said to be a trouble spot – we’ve got one report from Pauline, stopped in traffic: “Bridge seems to be iced over with lots of stalled cars- no one is able to get up the hill going west on bridge. Need sanding trucks or something!” One driver calls it “a sheet of ice.” Multiple vehicles stopped, according to another who passed by. This photo from Paul:

A different Paul reports northbound Delridge onramp to eastbound bridge is closed. Also, the Battery Street Tunnel is now having trouble, if you are north of downtown or have to head that way – SDOT reports it’s closed southbound. And we are hearing from bus riders downtown that there’s quite a wait.

4:25 PM UPDATE: Anything that’s a hill – avoid. Admiral now said to be a mess between bridge and viewpoint. Roxbury is having trouble in westbound – Todd reports a bus is blocking it. Also note the Columbia entrance to the southbound Viaduct downtown is reported closed. Sanding trucks are trying to get to the WS Bridge “to get it back open,” per scanner. The low bridge ALSO is reported blocked, bus and truck trouble, according to Rose, who sent this photo:

4:58 PM UPDATE: 1st Avenue South Bridge is reported open, but otherwise we’re hearing most routes are still in bad shape. Also just got word that the West Seattle Water Taxi is having some trouble – commenter says they’re going to try to see if a bigger boat will help deal with wind/dock.

5:09 PM UPDATE: Water Taxi now CANCELED for rest of the evening. Wind has just picked up where we are – remember that strong wind is forecast as well as snow/cold. Also – Alaskan Way Viaduct CLOSED both ways according to e-mail just in from city Emergency Services Center. Quick reminder: In addition to updating the Web, we are also posting updates (as are “friends”/”followers”) on Twitter (@westseattleblog) and Facebook (facebook.com/westseattleblog).

5:41 PM UPDATE: SDOT says high bridge open but slow going. The “live picture” atop our story here (from city traffic camera) would seem to validate that. A non-traffic note: Seattle Public Library branches are closing at 6 pm.

5:53 PM UPDATE: From Rob via Facebook – many have been asking about this route:

I just got home in arbor heights via 1st ave s bridge, 509, Roxbury. There were two semi trucks stuck on the bridge, squeezing it to 1 lane. After that there were many cars spun out on the hill up to Roxbury. They are all over the road and moving randomly, so a really dangerous situation unless you enjoy auto pinball. The hill is very slippery and it’s probably best everyone just stay away but if you must drive it make sure you know what you are doing.

He said the trip home from SODO took … two hours. Also note, surface streets aren’t in the best of shape either. WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen just sent a photo of a spinout in The Junction, 42nd/ Alaska. Looks like everyone’s OK, but nerve-rattling.

6:11 PM UPDATE: From Rachel via e-mail:

Please post on updates that Admiral Hill is extremely dangerous right now, when I came down it at 5 pm there were at least 15 cars wiped out on the sides, and cars sliding everywhere. Very scary situation and I was in a truck but still sliding like crazy also.

We cannot stress enough – don’t go out unless it’s an emergency. Obviously a lot of people are just trying to get home, but once you’re there (and it’s taking some *hours*), please stay in. Also know that the “official” reports on major roads are not coming in consistently – so if something doesn’t have a live camera (see the Traffic page), we may not know its status for sure unless someone nearby comments on it. Road photos welcome, too; we have some “snow fun” shots from earlier that we will get into a gallery later, but right now the traffic/safety info is paramount.

6:37 PM UPDATE: Photo from less than an hour ago on low bridge – many people are said to be walking back to West Seattle from SODO (dangerous – wind chill! it’s really kicking up out there) and this is what they’re encountering – the pedestrian/bike part definitely open – thanks to Tomf2009 via Twitter:

6:54 PM UPDATE: Lights just blinked. Charge your smartphone if you have one. … Also just heard some SDOT discussion via the scanner: 42nd/Edmunds “a sheet of ice” (south of Jefferson Square Safeway). Has been said about many streets – we got a note that SW Yancy (between Avalon and Allstar Fitness) is in that same condition.

7:02 PM UPDATE: Bruce Butterfield (president of the Fauntleroy Community Association) posted on FB wall that the lower bridge IS MOVING.

7:32 PM UPDATE: Commenters are continuing to share updates on road and bus conditions. A long-suffering 54 ridership is apparently getting closer to home. Meantime, some other problems. Thanks to Mike Jensen for this photo of a tree down by VCA on California SW south of The Junction:

7:48 PM UPDATE: Some of the people walking from SODO have made it into Skylark Café (WSB sponsor), according to a comment from proprietor Jessie SK on the WSB Facebook Wall. Meantime, we checked with the City Light outage tracker, since the wind’s been up quite a while and many have reported flickers – so far, only two small outages in West Seattle, pockets in the north (see them here), although on a night like tonight – with temperatures already into the low 20s – even a 1-person outage is especially bad news. Back to the walkers – Kristina’s husband took this, walking up Highland Park Way:

Kristina says he saw at least 10 abandoned, stuck, or “trying to get unstuck” cars, some even in the bushes.

8:08 PM UPDATE: Hope Lutheran School parent says she got the call they’re closed tomorrow. We started a separate page with Tuesday school info – here’s the link. Also, Twitter note says a new problem blocking the low bridge westbound – stalled truck.

8:20 PM UPDATE: Now there are several small outages in northern West Seattle. Biggest one is along Admiral in Alki Mail vicinity – 145 homes/businesses, according to the City Light tracker.

8:30 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools now canceled for Tuesday. More school info here (and we’ll continue updating that page as we get updates from private schools, Highline, Vashon, etc.). Also note – safety problems with some wires blown-down, 35th/Dakota is the latest report.

9:18 PM UPDATE: Metro will be on snow routes again Tuesday. Low bridge now having new trouble with a jack-knifed bus. We are hearing from more and more people who have been on buses for up to FIVE HOURS trying to get home to West Seattle. Here’s one pic we received of some of the earlier-reported walkers going across the low bridge:

We also have another tree down – Eric sent this photo of the tree at California/Walker:

9:48 PM UPDATE: More school closures – Seattle Lutheran and Northwest Montessori (all branches including West Seattle) also closed tomorrow. Go here for the full list of Tuesday school closure/delays reported so far. Also we’re inviting businesses to share word of changes – so far, The Little Gym of West Seattle is closed tomorrow, 8 Limbs Yoga in The Junction is canceling 6:30 and 11 am classes. Our favorite TV meteorologist, former Q13 co-worker Walter Kelley, says one more big band of snow will come through before 4 am – after that, the big problem foreseen is the ice.

10:22 PM UPDATE: From Bill Schrier, video of some of the bridge walkers:

They and the 4- to 6-hour bus ride endurers are the story of the night.

10:29 PM UPDATE: Metro contacted us to say that not only will they be on snow routing tomorrow, they are already certain there will be cancellations, so they’re urging people to stay home if they possibly can. Here’s their complete news release, including details on Access buses.

10:56 PM UPDATE:
More school closures/delays – West Seattle Montessori/Academy, Explorer West Middle School closed, Highline Public Schools now closed, Holy Family expecting a one-hour delay. Also note that the Alaskan Way Viaduct is open and fairly clear – we just got a phone call from a long-ago co-worker who mentioned he had taken The Viaduct to The Bridge from Queen Anne within the past hour or so and made decent time.

586 Replies to "West Seattle snow: 2nd Monday report - trouble everywhere"

  • Steph November 22, 2010 (12:40 pm)

    Just drove in from Federal Way back home to W. Seattle. Roads in FW were awful!!! Nothing plowed, tons of spin outs and accidents, grid lock. Etc. So glad my car had 4 wheel drive so it was easy for me to get around. Once I was on I-5 it was smooth sailing. Everyone driving appropriately slow, but no major issues NB. All the accidents I saw were SB. Took 599 and up the big hill at W. Marginal to Holden. It was a-okay.

  • bsmomma November 22, 2010 (12:52 pm)

    NOAA sent everyone home for the day. Lucky.

  • MJ November 22, 2010 (1:04 pm)

    Steph – thanks so much for that update. Hubby works in fife and we live in Highland Park…he now can work a bit longer without worrying!! Glad you made it home safely…

  • SnowyInSeattle November 22, 2010 (2:13 pm)

    Headed home from Redmond via Metro. 520 & I-5 are clear. Smoothe sailing so far. Downtown looks a tad deserted. Traffic is light and roads a wet but clear.

  • Renee November 22, 2010 (2:18 pm)

    Just drove home from Kent – roads a bit slushy in places in Kent, but once on 167 everything was fine! Took 167, 405, I5, 599 – all were clear and had no issues. Traffic was VERY light.

  • datamuse November 22, 2010 (2:27 pm)

    Steph: I gotta wonder, WTH is it with Federal Way in bad weather? I drove I-5 from Seattle to Tacoma and Federal Way boasted a couple of cars in ditches and a few more crunched. The roads and plowing always seem to be the worst there. Weird.
    .
    I’m appreciating the weather and commute coverage, because it’ll help determine when I leave for the day…

  • JA November 22, 2010 (2:27 pm)

    Any update on Harbor/Alki Ave?

  • Jo November 22, 2010 (2:28 pm)

    I imagine we’ll be getting Metro Alerts sometime tonight about tomorrow’s commute, but does anyone have any ‘inside’ info on whether or not Metro will be on snow schedules tomorrow morning?
    I stayed home today – but tomorrow I’ll definitely have to go in to work.
    Taking the #56 into town is no problem, but the snow schedule for my #27 down to Leschi area on Lake Washington will take a little advance planning.

  • Sue November 22, 2010 (2:30 pm)

    I also appreciate the commute coverage. I’ll admit it gets a bit unnerving when we get email after email about all these agencies/companies closing and then you can get a little nervous and start to wonder if you should be leaving too, even though it looks okay outside (I’m downtown).

  • angelescrest November 22, 2010 (2:35 pm)

    Just returned from UW. 5 South splendid, as were all city roads. Very easy to get around.

  • andrea November 22, 2010 (2:36 pm)

    up here on Genesee Hill the snow has started to fall pretty heavily in that past 5 minutes or so, up from the fairly minute amounts we were getting the last few hours…bring on snowpocalypse part deux!

  • westseattledood November 22, 2010 (2:38 pm)

    Roxbury Safeway is being slammed!

  • Cami November 22, 2010 (2:40 pm)

    Wind and snow picking up on Alki. Sticking to the road – at least on side streets.

  • HP November 22, 2010 (2:42 pm)

    Jo – you should assume snow schedule tomorrow lol

  • george November 22, 2010 (2:52 pm)

    The light puffy flakes are starting to fly again. WOOOHOOOOO!!!

  • JanS November 22, 2010 (2:53 pm)

    wow…snowing big time in Admiral…and the Safeway construction workers have gone home. Smart!

  • Cecelia November 22, 2010 (2:54 pm)

    Just got back home from downtown to WS about 1:45. Roads were very clear and traffic seemed pretty light for a weekday. I’ve seen a couple snow plow/salt trucks and every bus I have seen had it’s snow chains on so hopefully the commute this evening will not be bad.

  • ad November 22, 2010 (2:56 pm)

    It’s coming down and sticking @ Morgan Junction! Cars are getting around fine at this time.

  • Ex-Westwood Resident November 22, 2010 (2:59 pm)

    Just got home to Shorewood from Lake Union via 99.
    Road was clear but SPD had the left lane shut down after the First Ave exit. It was covered with snow/frozen rain.
    Surface streets in North Burien were OK, but that isn’t goiong to last long.

  • miws November 22, 2010 (3:10 pm)

    SDOT snowplow cruised by northbound in the Thriftway block of California, about 3:00 p.m.

    .

    It may have just gone back southbound. I caught a very quick glimpse of what looked possibly like the plows flashing light reflect in my front window, as I was logging on to report. Plus, the entire “lane” looks clear, rather than just tire tracks from the cars.

    .

    Mike

  • Mark November 22, 2010 (3:11 pm)

    Wsbridge is AWFUL. They need to close it to de ice it

  • andrea November 22, 2010 (3:12 pm)

    it looks like a blizzard outside my house right now! so much snow and wind!!

  • transplantella November 22, 2010 (3:12 pm)

    I’ve already seen two snow plows go by today on Lincoln Park Way. And it’s just 3 PM.

    During Snowpocalypse I saw zero snow plows. People were skiing and sledding down the street for a week.

    I think the city has done a much better job than before. Kudos to them.

    But the snow is really coming down now….

  • desertdweller November 22, 2010 (3:15 pm)

    Just got back from the Westwood QFC and everything seems to be moving smoothly in Westwood.

    One small rant for the owner of a Chupa-schnauzer who had the poor dude tied up outside of QFC in the snow for a half an hour. The poor guy was shivering and yowling. :-( I hope the little dude has been claimed by his owner and is inside where he belongs.

  • Guidosmom November 22, 2010 (3:20 pm)

    Yeah – WS Bridge is bad. I saw a few cars spinning and sliding all over the place.

  • PotatoPanOtis November 22, 2010 (3:22 pm)

    Genessee Hill looks like a blizzard. Got home in light traffic from near Ikea around 2. All footprints into the house are filled in, wind has picked up and fluffy flakes are a flyin’.

  • toddinwestwood November 22, 2010 (3:24 pm)

    3:22 its snowing like crazy here on 21st and Roxbury. Just starting to cover the road. Visibility is about 1 block.

  • TW November 22, 2010 (3:24 pm)

    Absolutely dumping on Admiral right now and wind has really picked up.

  • Slider November 22, 2010 (3:25 pm)

    WS bridge is barely moving eastbound and hardly any cars are coming westbound.

  • CRUZ November 22, 2010 (3:28 pm)

    BLIZZARD!!! Love it!!!

  • coffee November 22, 2010 (3:30 pm)

    Something happened on the on ramp to the bridge at Delridge. Looking out the window at work and everyone is turning around.

  • Carlito November 22, 2010 (3:31 pm)

    How is the hill going up on 35th Avenue between Alaska and Brandon steets?

  • Kristina November 22, 2010 (3:34 pm)

    An hour ago at WS Thriftway it was pretty busy, but not out of control – there was still food left on the shelves. LOL King5 was in with a camera crew. But it looks like that was my last car trip for a few days; it’s really coming down now and we have 2 inches of snow, and it’s sticking on the road now. The girl, the husband, and I are all snug and warm and finally broke down and started listening to Christmas carols. :-) Cheers!

  • sam November 22, 2010 (3:34 pm)

    Delridge needs another visit from a snowplow, it has a pretty good dusting and so does Andover, from Delridge up….and over.

    was hoping the prediction for this afternoon was going to turn out to be wrong…

  • toddinwestwood November 22, 2010 (3:39 pm)

    scratch that. Roxbury is now blocked eastbound at 23rd ave sw. Metro #23 is stuck blocking lanes. No one is getting past except 4 wheel drive, traffic backed up past safeway it looks like

  • TanyaR23 November 22, 2010 (3:42 pm)

    We’re snuggled up in the house doing a Harry Potter movie marathon. We’re on #3. Started with 1 and 2 yesterday. Definitely not braving the roads probably until Wednesday. Bliss!!!

  • agm November 22, 2010 (3:45 pm)

    I can see the WS bridge from my house. Westbound appears to be completely blocked at Delridge on-ramp. As in NOTHING is going westbound.

  • DaveB November 22, 2010 (3:49 pm)

    I was one of the people who drove by in the tiny snowman video. Good thing I wasn’t picking my nose.

  • chris m November 22, 2010 (3:50 pm)

    West seattle bridge backed up. 40 min to get from I5 to viaduct. Poor visibility. can’t see past the viaduct.

  • Steph November 22, 2010 (3:53 pm)

    Just got call from my husband. He is on the Spokane street viaduct. He is not moving. He said the Alaska viaduct is pure ice. Please be careful all.

    On a side note, my five-year-old played outside for 1.5 hours. I was freezing, but could not get the little guy inside. He was having way to much fun.

  • CRUZ November 22, 2010 (3:54 pm)

    Highland Park Hill is closed!

  • Ben November 22, 2010 (3:57 pm)

    I am currently sitting on the West Seattle-bound #22 bus at East Marginal Way S and Hanford. Total gridlock – cars stopped as far as the eye can see, and the same seems to be true up on the 99/WS viaduct from what I can see.

    If you’re planning to bus from downtown Seattle to West Seattle, you may want to start now!

  • MargL November 22, 2010 (3:58 pm)

    I just got home from Roxbury Safeway. Almost didn’t make it with my RWD sedan.
    The hill on Roxbury up to 35th is super slick – and of course 35th south from there isn’t any better.

  • Kae November 22, 2010 (3:59 pm)

    Stuck on West Seattle bridge west bound moving 10 ft every two minutes. Wish I didn’t leave the house. Are people even making it up the hill to Alaska?

  • Tim November 22, 2010 (4:03 pm)

    Been trying to get on the bridge from I-5S for twenty min. Not fun.

  • JEM November 22, 2010 (4:03 pm)

    1st Ave South in SODO is gridlocked southbound. All those express bus riders are going to find out what it’s like to ride a slow-going, low-bridge crossing local! edit- at least I’m assuming they are all taking the low bridge, and using 1st to get there!

  • Brandon November 22, 2010 (4:04 pm)

    What’s up with the bridge

  • coffee November 22, 2010 (4:05 pm)

    On Ramp to the bridge from Delridge was just shut by SDOT.

  • kumalavula November 22, 2010 (4:07 pm)

    our hill up the western edge of pigeon point/puget ridge is now covered and beginning to be icy. with temps dropping even further tonight, seems like a normal morning commute or schools being open on time is not in the cards…..or is that just my wishful thinking? :)

  • Slider November 22, 2010 (4:09 pm)

    Eastbound WS bridge is completely stopped…avoid at all cost!

  • ad November 22, 2010 (4:09 pm)

    Genesee Hill is not plowed and I saw cars not making it up (at the elevation near the school). My car was fine with AWD but I had the feeling that even my car struggled a little bit.

    Also saw a truck going up Glenn Way, trying to take a left up Oregon…yeah, that wasn’t happenin’!

    Stay safe, drivers. TURN ON YOUR HEADLIGHTS! I saw at least 10 cars with no lights on.

  • Steve November 22, 2010 (4:13 pm)

    So I’m heading home from Bellevue now. Should I even attempt the WS bridge?

  • miws November 22, 2010 (4:16 pm)

    In viewing the “tiny snowman” vid, I couldn’t help but get the feeling that I was going to see a Mr. Bill moment toward the end!

    .

    Ohhhhhhhh NOOOOOOOO!!! :lol:

    .

    Mike

  • desertdweller November 22, 2010 (4:17 pm)

    Husband says that the 21 he’s riding (from downtown to WS) is so full of people he can’t move. The bus driver said something to him about 35th being impassable…anyone else heard that?

  • AmandaLeonard November 22, 2010 (4:17 pm)

    On 120 bus for over an hour. Everyone is at a stop on first still. We are trying to talk the driver into letting us walk but she says no one leaves unless she runs out of gas.

  • AmandaLeonard November 22, 2010 (4:18 pm)

    I confirm hearing metro re route 21

  • Synergy3k November 22, 2010 (4:19 pm)

    So here’s a question. I took the bus out to Redmond today and I have to stay at work until at least 8:30 tonight. Is it possible that the buses would end up canceled all together?

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (4:20 pm)

    A very special shout-out to the driver of the Corolla who sped past me this morning on the curves of Dawson Street (going downhill by SSCC) and came within about a foot of getting in a head-on collision with on-coming traffic.

    Slow down, people; it’s not worth it.

  • lizzy November 22, 2010 (4:21 pm)

    has anyone heard anything about the lower bridge?

  • mickey mouse November 22, 2010 (4:23 pm)

    What about coming into west sea thru Burien……is 35th really a mess? comments !!

  • miws November 22, 2010 (4:23 pm)

    4:22 p.m. KOMO 4 News reports the Battery St tunnel closed southbound.

  • AmandaLeonard November 22, 2010 (4:24 pm)

    Jack knife bus on lower bridge. Diverting to first avenue to marginal way and back

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (4:24 pm)

    Now that I’m off my soap box…

    The drive home from Harbor Island was slow. The overpass that goes directly onto the island was really slick, with obvious patches of ice. The lower bridge wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Delridge was worse than I assumed; but I might have been part of the first wave of people getting off work and clearing the way.

  • Jenava November 22, 2010 (4:30 pm)

    West bound bound bridge is completely blocked.

  • Corra November 22, 2010 (4:32 pm)

    Yup, west bound bridge don’t take it! Blocked

  • miws November 22, 2010 (4:34 pm)

    Synergy3k, in my past bus reliance experience in the snow, there’s always the possibility of individual bus runs, even entire routes being completely cancelled. In some cases it was due to the fact that the snow didn’t hit until later in the day, and all the coaches had to be brought back to the bases to be chained up.

    .

    I would strongly suggest that you closely monitor the Metro website, to see if they are providing real-time updates for your routes.

    .

    Is there any way you could spend the night at work, or somewhere near work? Thinking in such a manner may seem like a bit of panic/overkill, but the thought of waiting for a bus that may not come,in the dark to get from Redmond to West Seattle, especially with a transfer in Downtown Seattle, doesn’t sound too appealing.

    .

    Good luck, and be safe!

    .

    Mike

  • Under_Achiever November 22, 2010 (4:34 pm)

    Obviously, Mr. Mayor’s cunning plan is to save road de-icers and rock salt for a snow storm. One would think the lesson would’ve been learned and the roads would’ve been treated in ADVANCE of rush hour. In the immortal words of Bugs Bunny, ‘What a Maroon’.

  • mickey mouse November 22, 2010 (4:34 pm)

    How about southbound on 35th?????

  • fastandy November 22, 2010 (4:34 pm)

    Lower bridge is a parking lot too

  • Wundrgrrrl November 22, 2010 (4:35 pm)

    Stay away! West bound is shear gridlock. Cars spun out all over. We put chains on the vanpool and finally made it through. East bound is just as bad. It should be closed!

  • Ben November 22, 2010 (4:37 pm)

    The driver of the #22 I’m on has gone rogue – we’re heading southbound from the WS bridge, currently at Marginal Way and Nevada. Not sure where he’s taking us but at least the traffic is stop-and-go instead of the total gridlock in the approach to the lower bridge.

  • desertdweller November 22, 2010 (4:40 pm)

    My husband’s bus (21 South) left the I.D. at 4pm and is just now getting to the Starbucks building on 1st. Good times.

  • Corra November 22, 2010 (4:41 pm)

    Okay, just to clarify west bound bridge might not be blocked but it’s a mess!

  • coffee November 22, 2010 (4:43 pm)

    there is a 56 bus backing down the on ramp at delridge to the west seattle bridge…..not good.

  • G-Dub November 22, 2010 (4:44 pm)

    1st Avenue S is a parking lot. Very close to pulling over and sitting it out in a warm drinking establishment.

  • JR November 22, 2010 (4:44 pm)

    Any word on how the lower bridge looks? My better half is stuck in traffic downtown

  • kirida November 22, 2010 (4:44 pm)

    I got on the 120 downtown around 3:15 and we are still on it at 4:43. I think we went rogue, too. The snow routes were clogged. Ugh, this is awful.

  • celeste17 November 22, 2010 (4:44 pm)

    Been on a 55 since 3:30 we are rerouted to 1st Ave bridge due to a jacknife truck on Spokane street.

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (4:45 pm)

      I just added a low bridge update. It is BLOCKED at last report by bus and truck.

  • Tim November 22, 2010 (4:45 pm)

    Ah yes, still trying to get onto westbound west seattle bridge. (too late to get off now) Really fun commute, looks like all the contingency planning hasn’t helped much.

  • create1212 November 22, 2010 (4:46 pm)

    Saw a bunch of cars and busses stuck on 35th Ave SW. I parked and walked the rest of the way home to the Junction. The only thing I can say is, please people who are driving, be patient-it’s a mess out there and honking is not going to make it any better!

  • goodgraces November 22, 2010 (4:47 pm)

    Getting updates from husband who’s on a bus trying to get from 1st Ave. South over here. Reports are that his bus has also ‘gone rogue’ and they are headed toward 1st Ave. South bridge. Nightmare. Don’t know how they’ll get back from the south part of WS to the North part of WS, but we’ll see, I guess.

  • Dunk November 22, 2010 (4:50 pm)

    On the 54 express. Left 3rd and Pike at 4:15. We are at about Holgate on 1st Ave now. Bus driver is funny. Said to relax unles we hear him yell OMG.

  • Synergy3k November 22, 2010 (4:54 pm)

    Mike, thanks so much for the reply. I do have the option of staying in a hotel here, my boss recommended it actually. Only problem is the hotel’s 2 miles away and I don’t really have a way to get over there either without my car! ;) Oh well. The thought of waiting for a stuck bus downtown for a few hours doesn’t sound so appealing either…I’m hoping they manage to get the bridge in better shape by the time I have to leave. Stupid weather :P

  • twicksea November 22, 2010 (4:55 pm)

    @Desert Dweller–mine too. He’s been on a 21 “express” for about an hour to get from Belltown to SODO. Driver just announced that both upper & lower bridges to W Seattle are closed. They’re heading for the 1st Ave S bridge but I really wonder how they’ll get up those hills even if they get across. Sounds like they have a long trip ahead.

  • herongrrrl November 22, 2010 (4:57 pm)

    Any word on the Water Taxi? My sweetie (along with a lot of other people!) has been waiting for the 4:40 boat since 4:30 and no sign of it, although there’s nothing to indicate that it isn’t running on the county’s website.

  • goodgraces November 22, 2010 (4:57 pm)

    Can anyone confirm that 1st Ave. S bridge = still open?

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (5:03 pm)

      1st Avenue South Bridge IS open. I have just replaced the 2nd “live” image atop this post with that bridge’s camera, since more relevant currently than the Junction cam (which remains on the Traffic page).

  • KD November 22, 2010 (4:59 pm)

    4pm Water taxi did not make it. Couldn’t dock because of wind. It turned around and went back downtown.They are going to try a larger boat in about 20min.

  • knm November 22, 2010 (4:59 pm)

    Please, please, please let Roxbury be clear. Husband on the way home :/

  • PJD November 22, 2010 (4:59 pm)

    Just got back on the Clipper from Victoria, which left 5 hours early. Taxi refused to go to WS at 3 pm, but brought us downtown. Stuck at the mayflower hotel supposedly a towncar agreed to take us but we’ll see… hopefully the low bridge is unstuck soon

  • daisy November 22, 2010 (5:01 pm)

    I’m heading for the 5:20 water taxi and hope it is running today, checked the website and there does not seem to be any reason it’s not . Hopefully just a little late, the thougth of sitting on a bus on all this does not sound like fun. Sorry all who are stuck trying to get home!

  • mickey mouse November 22, 2010 (5:01 pm)

    what about 35th?? If my son makes it to burien will he be able to get north of the junction??????

  • Emily November 22, 2010 (5:02 pm)

    Just got word that the Water Taxi couldn’t dock in West Seattle–too windy so they turned around to head back to downtown.

  • KD November 22, 2010 (5:03 pm)

    Just found out that the waves in West Seattle are over the dock. They are not going to run any watertaxis. Sucks cuz my husband was on it and is now going to spend the night at work.

  • Tlauer November 22, 2010 (5:03 pm)

    Southbound 1st ave is a parking lot. Recommending waiting downtown until westbound bridges open. Roxberry I’d also blocked, so think best hope is if they sand one of the bridges

  • Dave November 22, 2010 (5:03 pm)

    Nice work Mayor – another debacle.

  • karin November 22, 2010 (5:04 pm)

    according to komo 4 – viaduct closed both ways, and portions of 518.

  • AmandaLeonard November 22, 2010 (5:08 pm)

    On bus for two hours now and metro is now planning on diverting us to burien transit center. Crap! I have no knowledge of anything burien.

  • MarkG November 22, 2010 (5:09 pm)

    REALLY?????!!!!!?? what the F happened to the plan from two years ago, that we would sand and salt throughout the day next time we saw this coming..I’m not even out on the road right now (5pm)….but sounds like an absolute nightmare. I bet Tues AM will be worse…Oh Mr. Mayor…..get off your fat ass..pick up the phone and get the damn trucks out there and KEEP THEM OUT THERE……ALL NIGHT!!!!!!! with….SALT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • eyeye November 22, 2010 (5:12 pm)

    Bus rider needing advice to get to Triangle from downtown. Checking these latest posts i wonder if i can take light rail to Spokane St and walk the low bridge. Anyone? I’m dressed for it. Please advise.

  • velo_nut November 22, 2010 (5:13 pm)

    Blame it on the mayor? You have to be kidding me.

    Sometimes you people sound so stupid.

  • velo_nut November 22, 2010 (5:13 pm)

    Blame it on the mayor? You have to be kidding me.

    Sometimes you people sound so stupid.

  • William November 22, 2010 (5:13 pm)

    Why would the County make the new dock in West Seattle so low to the water?! The ferry docks at Pier 50 in Seattle and at Vashon Island have been higher off the water for years – for just this reason – to make them accessible in storms! The West Seattle Bridge is a parking lot (I just came across it from Downtown) and now with waves crashing over the new West Seattle dock, the Water Taxi is useless!!

    The West Seattle bridge was a disaster. I sat from 3:15 to 4:45 PM stuck behind metro buses, trucks and cars with 2 wheel drive spinning their wheels. The city and our sand/salt trucks were no where to be seen for the 1-1/2 hours I sat at the base of the bridge.

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (5:13 pm)

    I just heard from a friend who got on a bus to West Seattle (at a stop on 3rd Avenue downtown) at 4:20pm and who is still stuck somewhere on 1st Avenue at 5:12pm. She’s says they’re not even moving.

  • kirida November 22, 2010 (5:13 pm)

    The driver of the 120 is now going to take us straight to the burien transit center. No word if she’s doubling back or if we have to wait for another bus there. We’re on 4th and Dawson. I feel sorry that the driver has to navigate through this mess. We are almost into the second hour of this ride.

  • Maria November 22, 2010 (5:16 pm)

    Husband was on the 120 bus that had ‘gone rogue’. After two hours of not going anywhere him and a few other riders got off and are now walking home.

    Think the mayor is panicking yet?

  • karin November 22, 2010 (5:20 pm)

    west seattle bridge closed in both directions, according to komo 4 – viaduct (both directions) still closed as well.

  • Smitty November 22, 2010 (5:20 pm)

    It’s Bush’s fault.

  • RJB November 22, 2010 (5:21 pm)

    KOMO 4 just announced besides the viaduct being closed, both lower and upper WS Bridges are all closed. Good luck to all.

  • transplantella November 22, 2010 (5:22 pm)

    Watching the channel 4 news….

    –Alaska viaduct icy with accidents in both directions. Viaduct closed both ways.

    Low bridge closed with accident.

    West Seattle bridge closed.

    News says all bridges to west Seattle now closed due to weather conditions and accidents.

    Good luck folks. Glad I’m home.

  • WSB November 22, 2010 (5:38 pm)

    Please be wary what you hear/see on TV … There are also pictures of vehicles ON the West Seattle Bridge right now so I don’t think it’s officially CLOSED. I would avoid it at all costs but check the picture atop this post – it’s the “live” image of the bridge itself from the city – refresh for the latest. Also saw one TV station driving “live” on the viaduct southbound a few mins ago, trying to verify if that means it’s reopened.

  • goodgraces November 22, 2010 (5:40 pm)

    Can someone PLEASE confirm that the lower bridge is still open to PEDESTRIAN traffic?

  • ad November 22, 2010 (5:41 pm)

    Comments 100+ working again? Testing..

  • flowerpetal November 22, 2010 (5:41 pm)

    Traffic cams still show traffic on the bridge; and KOMO’s ever changing website only lists the viaduct as closed.

  • lizru November 22, 2010 (5:43 pm)

    any updates on West Marginal way into WS? Cousin stuck on 1st ave, texting info to her.

  • Iggy November 22, 2010 (5:46 pm)

    Jean Enerson on news just said WS Bridge is closed and that cars showing on the live cam are “residual” traffic.

  • Brian November 22, 2010 (5:46 pm)

    I went over the lower bridge at around 4, on my bicycle. I don’t see any reason why they would close the lower bridge to pedestrians, ever.

  • eyeye November 22, 2010 (5:47 pm)

    Ped traffic report for lower bridge?

  • Julia B. November 22, 2010 (5:47 pm)

    West Marginal Way in Georgetown is total gridlock. Total mess. Spent 45 minutes and went two blocks. I turned around and came back to work for a hot cup of coffee and regroup!

  • goodgraces November 22, 2010 (5:48 pm)

    Thanks Brian, my thinking, too, but just was hoping to hear from someone who’d been across it recently. Husband hoofing it back from WAY south on 1st Ave., after abandoning bus after 2+ hour 1-mile ride.

  • Sidney November 22, 2010 (5:49 pm)

    My husband is on Michigan trying to get to 1st ave s bridge/w marginal way. he’s been on Michigan for an hour. Everything west seattle bound has been diverted to the 1st ave bridge. that bridge is still open but if it closes everyone is hosed. there’s just no good news to be had. sorry. I’m luckily at home so I’ll try to help out!

  • Lil Wash November 22, 2010 (5:50 pm)

    Friend on the 21E said half the bus just got off to start walking at Home Depot on 1st. Wish them luck it is freezing out. I myself was on the Upper bridge before they closed it at 4:00. A not so smart guy lost his ball cap out the window and stopped his car on the middle of the bridge to get out of his car and retrieve it. I ran over the cap and almost him as I was sliding sideways :(

  • CeeBee November 22, 2010 (5:51 pm)

    DEAD stop on southbound 1st Ave, a whole clot of people just came into the Starbucks who had abandoned the bus, but the store is closing in 10 minutes, so I think we’ll alll be spending money in Home Depot.
    Ron is southbound on I5 at Ravenna and says also moving at less than 5 mph. sigh

  • Baba November 22, 2010 (5:53 pm)

    I wonder, how many WS residents will agree to the full body scan right now, just to get home?

  • mae November 22, 2010 (5:53 pm)

    West Marginal update – awful! I left 4th & Michigan 1 1/2 hours ago and I am just now near Chelan Spokane streets. W Marginal is a sheet of ice with traffic mostly stopped. Now how do I get to North Admiral???

  • Brian November 22, 2010 (5:53 pm)

    Wife just made it over the West Seattle bridge coming home. Slow but not closed.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (5:54 pm)

    Boarded the 54 at 420 on cherry and now left starbucks gridlock and going back roads for sodo tour. Emerged triumphant and on our way down 6th to spokane! Bus driver achieves rock star status!

  • huh? November 22, 2010 (5:54 pm)

    My husband just walked in from walking from Home Depot. Slick out there. If you can start walking!!
    go slow

  • knm November 22, 2010 (5:55 pm)

    Sidney, my hubby too. Took him an hour to get from Costco on 4th to 4th and Lucile. Ug.

  • BT November 22, 2010 (5:56 pm)

    Just got home. As of 30 minutes ago, high bridge was open, but very treacherous. Lots of cars spun out on the side, but I made it over in my little Civic without traction tires/chains. Use low gear, go slow, and don’t stop! I took the Avalon exit, which was no problem. Looked like getting up the hill at the Fauntleroy/35th exit was a big mess though.

  • Rachel November 22, 2010 (5:58 pm)

    ADMIRAL HILL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, CARS WIPED OUT AND SLIDING EVERYWHERE!

  • Al November 22, 2010 (6:01 pm)

    Yeah, the weather is allll the mayor’s fault. Because it’s all about only your route home.

    I had a lovely commute home actually. My route was a bit slick at times, but there was no blocking traffic. I just took it slow and easy only touching the brakes when necessary. Only had one major slide out and had to walk down one hill and up another one, but it only took about 30 min longer than usual. I was passing all the people stuck in the cars and felt for them a little. Yes, my bike was awesome!

  • JenS November 22, 2010 (6:03 pm)

    I left Costco at 3:30 and got home (north of the Junction) at 5pm. Took 4th S to Dawson to one of the Marginals (East?) to the lower bridge. Once on the bridge there was a stalled car and we sort of crept around it (helped that a big rig was blocking the eastbound traffic). It was slick and icy, but not too bad at around 4:40. Coming home, even the main streets were icing over as we drove along – Alaska was slippy btw. Fauntleroy and Cali.

    Hubby left work (downtown) at 4pm and still not home. No reports, though, as he never has his phone with him :-)

    Stay warm and dry, WS!!

  • Sidney November 22, 2010 (6:04 pm)

    I haven’t heard from my husband in a while so I’m hoping that means it’s because his car is actually in motion. If I get a status update from him I’ll post it.

  • Rampola November 22, 2010 (6:05 pm)

    Yeah, my Hummer had no problem, either!

    It is safely tucked in my garage next to my Range Rover.

  • bridge to somewhere November 22, 2010 (6:06 pm)

    While I wouldn’t blame the mayor specifically, I can say that the city should be able to handle this kind of thing a bit better than it is. This isn’t a lot of snow, and already we’re seeing shades of 2008. Bridges shut down? The viaduct shut down? Main roads not salted prior to the main storm? The cost of an adequate snow response is going to pale to the cost of lost productivity for the city and county. I have just lost faith for the city to deal with any snow whatsoever–regardless of administration.

  • Kristina November 22, 2010 (6:11 pm)

    Husband is still stuck on lower bridge. Any word of clearing the bus that is blocking them?

  • umm November 22, 2010 (6:12 pm)

    Oh man. I hope to god I don’t go into labor 4 weeks early when no one can get over the bridge. This is stressing me out!

  • cclarue November 22, 2010 (6:12 pm)

    if you can get over 1st ave so bridge go south on 509 to 128th st exit and come back north via 1st ave south or ambaum thru white center that way you can avoid the myers way hill and boeing hill\highland park way.

  • A November 22, 2010 (6:12 pm)

    Husbnad just made it across 1st ave Bridge (left work at 4ish) but can’t make it up the Highland Park Way hill. Now trying West Marginal (also a mess but hopefully will be better than Roxbury). Any new advice/updates are appreciated.

  • Sidney November 22, 2010 (6:13 pm)

    Hubby still on Michigan. I’m trying to find out if Highland park dr. and/or cloverdale are still open. i know that sounds insane because they are so steep but he’s running out of options.

  • mickey mouse November 22, 2010 (6:14 pm)

    What about 35th from arbor heights to junction??????

  • Elizabeth November 22, 2010 (6:15 pm)

    Any advice how to get up to Pigeon Point?

  • Lura November 22, 2010 (6:16 pm)

    They HAVE been de-icing all day.

  • Jill November 22, 2010 (6:16 pm)

    Way to go, Al!

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (6:18 pm)

      We are monitoring all streams plus scanner and there is just no good news out of anywhere.

  • Snowed in November 22, 2010 (6:18 pm)

    Just got a call from my husband who was on the 56 that left downtown around 4:30 and he said there are hundreds of people walking on 1st Ave back to West Seattle. It’s arctic out there. I’m not a happy wife right now.

  • daniel szwalkiewicz November 22, 2010 (6:20 pm)

    Stuck on Alaskan way for two hours now. Losing hope of getting home. Maydaymaydaymayday

  • kumalavula November 22, 2010 (6:22 pm)

    we’re on the hill above the youngstown cultural arts center, on the way to sscc….notorious for people trying it and then getting stuck or sliding down out of control. it’s gotten icier in the past couple of hours and i see one person with their flashers on uphill, apparently unable to go anywhere without any traction. i would say don’t come up delridge in this direction unless you have 4 or awd.

  • Lesley November 22, 2010 (6:22 pm)

    Highland Park Way is closed. My dad just came from that way at about 6PM.

  • clark5080 November 22, 2010 (6:23 pm)

    I can’t even get out of West Seattle To go to work at the Seattle Times. Wife is on the 21 been on since3:00 still not home

  • Splamy November 22, 2010 (6:24 pm)

    Horrible commute, took me 2.5 hours to get home from downtown…all of it sitting on 99 or the WS Bridge. I have a Subaru and was in low gear the whole way and still spun out in the middle of the off-ramp to Delridge. Glad to be home safe and sound!

  • Anne November 22, 2010 (6:24 pm)

    It is also EXTREMELY windy up here on Pigeon Point. Like, trees might fall windy (not as bad as ’06, when one of our trees did actually fall, but seemingly worse than any wind storm since). The power transformer to the neighborhood down the hill from Pigeon Point abutting East Marginal Way also just went BOOM.

  • sandikessler November 22, 2010 (6:25 pm)

    Does anyone know what is happening with the lower West Seattle bridge? My friend has been stuck on lower bridge not moving for 2 hours. If there is an accident why are they not diverting traffic?

  • Terri November 22, 2010 (6:26 pm)

    Al, I don’t think people are blaming the mayor FOR the weather – it is the city’s response TO the weather. A competent response to weather related road conditions in the city is ultimately his responsibility. It doesn’t have to be like this – ask anyone who has lived and commuted in the Midwest in the winter!

  • StaceyD November 22, 2010 (6:26 pm)

    Was stuck in the SoDo traffic for over 2 hours trying to make it on to the lower bridge. Gave up and am now tucked into a hotel room waiting on room service. Moved 1/2 block in an hour!! Would not have been out, but my daughter had surgery at Children’s Hospital….

  • David November 22, 2010 (6:26 pm)

    Just got a call from my wife trying to get home from downtown. She was stuck on the lower bridge. Everyone is abandoning their vehicle and walking up Avalon.

  • William November 22, 2010 (6:28 pm)

    This is very frustrating. The city did keep the major routes in and out of West Seattle sanded and salted. The County can’t keep the Water Taxi running. This is not a big storm and we have people literally at risk. Our Mayor and Dow Constantine have some questions to answer about this!

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (6:33 pm)

      William – I will be checking with the county on it but one thing to suggest about the Water Taxi: If the Rachel Marie and Pier 50 had been in service (taken out because of the crash in Sept.), would they have been OK with these gale-force winds? Definitely Sightseer not made for those winds. But we’ll be checking. Or maybe somebody out there with marine experience will know. – TR

  • mj November 22, 2010 (6:28 pm)

    Been on WSB since 4pm-exit to I-5 in view!

  • desertdweller November 22, 2010 (6:28 pm)

    Husband took 4pm 21 out of the I.D. says that the 21 is still trying to take the 1st Ave. bridge and isn’t even close to the bridge yet. :-(

  • Been There November 22, 2010 (6:29 pm)

    From my homes vantage point I can see traffic moving both East and West bound on the WS Bridge near the Walking On Logs statues.
    However Admiral Way going UP to the viewpoint has a bunch of cars with 4-ways flashing and no movement. Appears to be no movement DOWN Admiral Way in this same stretch.

  • Mary November 22, 2010 (6:29 pm)

    Metro bus on Third Avenue South is moving slowly but surely according to a friend who is hoping to get home to West Seattle this evening; he said they were passing Royal Brougham within a minute or so of being by Qwest Field. (I did say *slowly.*) He’s not sure how the driver is planning to reach West Seattle other than “not via the high bridge.” Fingers crossed.

  • TM November 22, 2010 (6:32 pm)

    Any current updates on upper bridge from folks on the road, including getting there? I am holed up by Safeco Field

  • Weiss November 22, 2010 (6:34 pm)

    Can you walk over the 1st ave S bridge?

  • Christina November 22, 2010 (6:35 pm)

    Waited over an hour for a 54 on Fauntleroy. Walked to the Ferry Terminal, and caught a 21 that slid all the way up the hill and dropped me at Westwood near Target. I walked about 2.5 miles home and never saw another bus. Kudos to all the bus drivers out there trying to get people home. It’s rough out there.

  • Snowed in November 22, 2010 (6:36 pm)

    StacyD-
    I’m sending you and your family light and calmness! Hope everything goes great with her surgery!

  • Anne November 22, 2010 (6:36 pm)

    We are looking at the bridges from our home atop Pigeon Point and it looks like both bridges are now open. The traffic is moving… slowly in both directions, but it is moving. Some semi-good news?

  • wsgolfer November 22, 2010 (6:38 pm)

    Based on how horrible it sounds out there, I’m tempted to walk home. 7 miles. Thanks, Seattle, for an awesome job keeping the roads free and clear of ice.

  • Jenava November 22, 2010 (6:38 pm)

    Still trying to get to 1st ave s brdg. Been over three hours since we left downtown.

  • Gooseface November 22, 2010 (6:39 pm)

    Hi, my husband and two small children are inching their way home around 1st and the West seattle bridge. I’m really worried about them, any suggestions of where they could hole up for a while? Chelan cafe if they can make it there I guess? Any hotels in GEorgetown reasonablly safe?

    Thanks

  • William November 22, 2010 (6:39 pm)

    TR, the County can’t use the West Seattle dock if it is unsafe for people to walk on it. If the new dock was built so low that waves wash over, or, if the County does not keep it clear of snow and ice, then it does not matter what kind of boat they use. The Water Taxi is part of West Seattle’s lifeline. We have limited options and dire consequences when the City does not keep the bridges open.

  • Kathleen November 22, 2010 (6:42 pm)

    The reason the Nickels didn’t get reelected was because of the fiasco of the snow storm in 2008. I don’t think the gridlock we have tonight is strictly from the city’s snow response, it’s the city’s ridiculous treatment of traffic to West Seattle and in and out of Sodo. At the best of times we have a hard time getting from Sodo to W Seattle (no access to the high bridge, cross streets shut down, construction on every north and south bound street). The snow is just compounding the effect on a broken system.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (6:43 pm)

    Stll on 54 bus that left cherry at 420. Sounds like the diserters that debarked at starbucksto walk home have made it home. Now we adventurers are enjoying a tour near south sea community college. I can’t see out so not sure. Forward ho!

  • maplesyrup November 22, 2010 (6:44 pm)

    I hope everyone who voted Nickels out because of the snowstorm last time is happy!

  • xyz November 22, 2010 (6:46 pm)

    I agree with Rob, I went up Myers Way around 4:45PM and cars were stuck all over the hill and it was like auto pinball. I’d expect it is much worse now. So much for the City being prepared for the snow. I’m not looking forward to tomorrow’s morning commute.

  • knm November 22, 2010 (6:47 pm)

    Hubby left Costco area of SODO at 4:40pm and just called from 128th in Burien. Had to go way south and is working back to Arbor Heights.

  • Portia November 22, 2010 (6:48 pm)

    My boyfriend just made it home via the low bridge, 3+ hours after leaving the Eastlake area. He says the bus that was blocking is cleared but it’s still very slow going and icy. Lots of people were crossing on foot.

  • Lori November 22, 2010 (6:48 pm)

    I have to drive east on the 520 tonight at 1030pm. anyone have any news?

  • Carol November 22, 2010 (6:50 pm)

    I thought my supervisor was a wimp when she suggested that I head for home (W. Seattle), from Fremont, at around 2:30. I made it here, though, on perfectly clear streets all the way, and I’m really glad I went when I did! The question now is whether or not I’m even going to try to get out tomorrow morning.

  • Sidney November 22, 2010 (6:53 pm)

    knm, your husband and mine must have been separated at birth. after he fills his “tank” at Arby’s on Michigan that’s his plan, 128th and then up on the arterials through Burien to home. I hope.

  • jedifarfy November 22, 2010 (6:54 pm)

    FYI – Barnes and Noble’s closed for the night.

  • Rampola November 22, 2010 (6:55 pm)

    Hey, dudes!

    Two years ago, the West Seattle Bridge was wide open. It was the side streets that were tough.

    Even Hercules could not keep everything moving in this type of weather.

    I suggest playing with your road race set and Lionel trains! Crush up some moth balls and sprinkle it like snow.

  • Chuck November 22, 2010 (6:56 pm)

    My wife is trying to make it home to the Morgan Junction from Harborview… any suggestions?

  • Chris Weinmann November 22, 2010 (6:56 pm)

    Low Bridge is open Westbound. I can see it from my house.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (6:57 pm)

    420 54 now nearing first ave s bridge. He have made the full tour. Like riding the duck but cheaper.

  • Lesley November 22, 2010 (6:58 pm)

    Rumor has it Myers way is easy and just wet and slushy. My husband just got home and he took that route through South Park. Otherwise it would have taken another hour to get through West Seattle through Delridge. Yeah for hubbies being home.

  • ad November 22, 2010 (7:00 pm)

    Our lights are flickering. :/

    To the pregnant woman- Take a deep breath, light some candles and hop in a bubblebath. Everything is going to be ok. :)

  • Manuel W. November 22, 2010 (7:04 pm)

    My brother just got home via 54 bus. Downtown to Junction took 45 mins, they rerouted to I-5 and upper bridge via the new I-90 onramp at stadiums.
    My mom was driving on Alaskan street along waterfront at a near standstill, abandoned car near Spokane street and is walking in over lower bridge.
    Dad waiting the situation out at his shop in Belltown, possibly bus home a bit later.

  • PotatoPanOtis November 22, 2010 (7:04 pm)

    Yes, to the pregnant woman, fill the tub first, light the candles and enjoy the hot water before the power goes out. Lights have been flickering lately here on Genessee Hill.

  • Stuck on Admiral November 22, 2010 (7:06 pm)

    Numerous cars stuck or sliding on Admiral heading up the hill from the WSB. I was heading up the hill fine, but had to stop near the Totem Pole/Scenic lookout. Once stopped, that was it. No traction from that point on. I was lucky to be able to back up (backwards down the hill) and pull to the curb. Many others are still stuck unable to move. I’m looking at half a dozen or so right now.

  • d November 22, 2010 (7:07 pm)

    Lights flickered a few minutes ago in Highland Park.
    hang in there commuters!

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (7:08 pm)

    420 54 again can someone run some adult beverages out here to us?

  • onceachef November 22, 2010 (7:09 pm)

    It’s rather pathetic that: A) the city (mayor, councilman, agencies, whatever) can’t seem to manage inclement weather…and B) our tolerance and ability to adapt to what is obviously a changing global weather pattern….as “ad” says…everything is going to be okay..take a deep breath and the snow will be gone in a couple of days.

  • Onshay November 22, 2010 (7:10 pm)

    Stuck on the 125 crossing the tracks near Costco (major detour from the usual route). Looks like we’re headed to 1st Ave. I left the office in SLU 3.5 hours ago laughing to myself that it’d probably take me 4 to walk. It may have been quicker but at least Metro is keeping us warm…

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (7:10 pm)

    My friend on the 54 bus from downtown says she’s into her third hour on the bus. They’re apparently near or on the 1st Avenue S bridge now. But she says they are inching along. Barely moving.

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (7:12 pm)

      Sounds like the one Laurakistan is on.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (7:11 pm)

    420 54 is crossing the 1st bridge!! It is so slick. Our best driver is a hero.

  • Chelsea November 22, 2010 (7:14 pm)

    We are trying to reach the lower bridge and now a train is blocking anyone from getting down Colorado to get to the lower bridge route, even if it were open.

  • Liz November 22, 2010 (7:14 pm)

    i’m stuck on one of those busses on 1st and considering walking – is it safe to walk along 1st ave bridge with all the cars slipping and sliding?

  • Brenda November 22, 2010 (7:15 pm)

    Fyi…I’ve seen lots of people spinning out on SW 107th on the hill between 26th SW and 16th SW in White Center, it’s like an ice rink. Dangerous!

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (7:16 pm)

    420 54 just picked up some folks that walked over the bridge. More hero points for driver.

  • me on 28th Ave SW November 22, 2010 (7:19 pm)

    Whew. Just got home. Left Lake Union right around 3:20, just in time for the Battery St Tunnel closing. Diverted onto Denny then eventually 1st ave. Was lucky in that I got onto 99. Crawled along for a very long time, but could see that traffic along the water trying to get to the low level bridge was just as bad, if not worse. High Level WSB was open. The onramp from 99 to the bridge did look a bit scary, but everyone was moving slow and steady. The right lane was very slow as most people were wanting those exits and some cars where moving pretty fast in the left and middle lanes (or maybe it just seems that way when not moving!). I was so happy to get onto Delridge. Seriously. Happy. Took nearly 4 hours to go 9 miles.

  • mworth November 22, 2010 (7:20 pm)

    Laurakistan and cjboffoli’s friend should sit together on the bus and bond over their shared love of the WS Blog. :)

  • David C November 22, 2010 (7:20 pm)

    got off the bus on 1st ave S and walked home to Admiral dist. Met a nice WS attorney named Jeanie, a carpenter named Mel on the 54 and we had a lovely, cold walk together. Thanks to “Taylor’s mom” (Yes, Taylor, the cashier at Met Market) for the ride up the last part of the Admiral hill. Everyone’s so warm and generous during winter wonderland. :)

  • Kelly K November 22, 2010 (7:20 pm)

    Finally home! Spent 1 hour sitting on a #21 in Sodo before hoofing it with two nice neighbors. We had a 2 hour (5.5 mile?) walk home but we never saw a single bus pass us. There were plenty of other pedestrians out there. I am invigorated and have burned the calories of a Thanksgiving feast. Highly recommended to the able-bodied and adventurous. Definitely made it home faster than those driving/busing.

  • Dan'a November 22, 2010 (7:20 pm)

    Looks like I should cancel my dr’s appt tomorrow. I am down on Beach Dr and he is up in the Junction.

  • twicksea November 22, 2010 (7:20 pm)

    Husband just called from the 21 he took in Belltown about 3pm. In the last hour he says they have not moved. Still south of Spokane St but not yet to the 1st Ave S bridge. And he gave up his seat ages ago so he’s been standing for hours. Just nutty.

  • eyeye November 22, 2010 (7:21 pm)

    Made it home on foot from SODO light rail station, and over the low bridge to pidgeon point, past All-Star Fitness, up the icy Yancy route, and up Avalon. Things look nasty out there, people. Please be safe, please be patient. My fiancee is still stuck on West Marginal, reporting some wild (and unsafe!) driving. Glad to be home. It is WINDY here in the Triangle!
    I am charging up batteries, phones, and laptops, just in case tomorrow is a ‘work from home’ day.
    I took pics on my walk home and will post when I can.

  • SMathews November 22, 2010 (7:21 pm)

    Wife approaching 1st Ave S Bridge leaving the city. Any advice about her heading to West Seattle? Myers/Roxbury is it passable? How about 128th exit off 509? Lower West Seattle Bridge along Marginal Way?

  • mae November 22, 2010 (7:22 pm)

    West Marginal is a sheet of ice – I spent hours going no where on it, sitting in traffic. When I finally got to West Seattle, I avoided Admiral Hill and went around on Harbor. Very proud of our little Honda Fit – I made it up the California hill! No one else was on it so I didn’t have to stop. Home sweet home!

  • cathyw November 22, 2010 (7:23 pm)

    Fire truck down at 61st & Stevens. Not sure what is going on there.

    Got the dreaded “power flickers” here in Alki a few minutes ago.

    59th Ave SW (Genesse Hill arterial from the Junction to the beach) is a sheet of ice.

    Admiral Way in Alki seems to be moving ok.

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (7:23 pm)

    Eyeye- which direction is he heading on W Marginal? We live in Highland Park and I’m trying to figure out how to get my husband home and avoid the big hills.

  • Kendra November 22, 2010 (7:24 pm)

    Luckily I made it up Admiral Hill around 6:30pm after a 2 hour drive from Tukwila. Thanks to the stranger that pushed my car with his when I stalled out so I could get going again.

  • Kayleigh November 22, 2010 (7:24 pm)

    By the grace of the Acqua Buddha I did not have to work today and stayed inside. I have no idea what I’m going to do tomorrow, though! BTW the wind is INSANE here south of the Junction.

  • Amanda November 22, 2010 (7:28 pm)

    Carol – me too! I left downtown at 2:30, the viaduct was already getting bad, as was the West Seattle Bridge.

    Thank you boss!

  • sophista-tiki November 22, 2010 (7:28 pm)

    better stock up on the giant packages ot TP

  • JenS November 22, 2010 (7:28 pm)

    laurakistan … wondering if my hubby is on your bus. Name is Scott, dark hair, goatee, red jacket, deep in some reading or ipod listening (if the battery has not run out). If you can see him, tell him we’ve got grilled cheese, tomato soup, and homemade choc. chip cookies waiting for him!!!

  • Meg November 22, 2010 (7:29 pm)

    My guy is on a 56 that’s stuck in traffic on 1st ave s, not moving much, about 5 blocks from the 1st ave bridge. He picked up the 56 downtown, around 3:40p today. Maybe he’ll get to the Admiral Dist., by midnight?

    Arghh!

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (7:30 pm)

    420 54 now behind multi car accident. Many emergency crews.I can’t see what road we are on think it is marginal.kudos to all the people on this bus. Still some giggling going on. How long before pottie break do you think? I am certain my poor St. Bernard has peed his pants by now.

  • concernedneighbor November 22, 2010 (7:31 pm)

    The hill on Dakota between 38th and 39th has been closed. This is one of the preferred thoroughfares for getting from 35th to California Ave. Two cars have already had accidents attempting to go down it, one of which hit a telephone pole and is still there, blocking the intersection of 38th and Dakota. For your own safety, please do not attempt to drive this hill.

  • velo_nut November 22, 2010 (7:31 pm)

    Good thing I stocked up on Four Loco!!!! by the way… to all those in your teeny tiny “green” cars. My LAnd Rover Discovery got me home easily and comfortably.

  • Joan November 22, 2010 (7:32 pm)

    Got home about a half hour ago. Very slow going (3 hours) southbound on First Ave South. Bridge was blocked by a couple of spun-out vehicles, but it looked like drivers were getting out and helping push and cleared the bridge, except for a semi. Meyers Way, Olsen Place, and Roxbury were slick but not as bad as I had feared. The worst part was the first stretch of Meyers up from 509. Only about a half dozen stuck cars as of 7:00pm and relatively easy to dodge. Roxbury is OK.

  • wsmom November 22, 2010 (7:33 pm)

    My husband has been stuck on East Marginal by Great Floors for about 2 hours. He’s thinking of turning around to get on 599. Any info on how 599 is moving??

  • JenS November 22, 2010 (7:34 pm)

    Nice jab at the green cars, velo. Sheesh.

  • Julia November 22, 2010 (7:35 pm)

    anyone leaving via car or foot from Pioneer Square…hubby needs a snow adventure friend.

    Reading all your posts makes me love West Seattle even more. Cheers everyone, stay warm!

  • Melissa November 22, 2010 (7:36 pm)

    Those of you who are helping people with routes home, thank you! Those of you who are gloating condescendingly, think about keeping it to yourself.

  • wsmom November 22, 2010 (7:36 pm)

    So now he’s on 599 going one mile an hour, but moving. Does anyone know if West Marginal is moving??

  • Sidney November 22, 2010 (7:38 pm)

    ws mom: the buzz is that West Marginal is a bit of a mess, but moving.

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (7:39 pm)

    wsmom: I’ve heard on the scanner traffic that in terms of road conditions that West Marginal Way is actually not too bad at the moment. But I’ve also heard that it is three lanes of gridlock. “Parking lot” was the term that was used. Multiple vehicle MVA at West Marginal and Puget Way SW too.

  • alki_2008 November 22, 2010 (7:39 pm)

    Guess it’s a good night to work late downtown. Not anxious about starting the long bus journey home tonight.

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (7:39 pm)

    wsmom- thanks for the info. My husband is painstakingly making his way down 405 and said there’s a rather cryptic sign about I-5 @ 99 being closed.

  • md November 22, 2010 (7:39 pm)

    Did the 54 make it past the accident? I’m waiting for my bf and I’m pretty sure he’s on there.

  • B November 22, 2010 (7:40 pm)

    I live at the top of Admiral, and I’ve noticed a lot of people being towed up the hill by people that seem to be nothing more than good Samaritans, maybe they are that, and guys that love the adventure. Whatever they are I bet the people that are getting up the hill are very grateful.

  • ohmama November 22, 2010 (7:40 pm)

    wanna know about w.marginal too!
    my husband is trying to get on 509 south to take w.marginal…

  • Michael November 22, 2010 (7:42 pm)

    Cedar down in our yard.

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (8:00 pm)

      I asked about W. Marginal via Facebook. “Slow going” was most recent response, “parking lot” from earlier. Even got some folks who had WALKED that way earlier.

  • Heather & Josh November 22, 2010 (7:43 pm)

    Is the lower bridge open to vehicle traffic???

  • Weiss November 22, 2010 (7:44 pm)

    Just made it up Myers. Left downtown at 3:50. You can make it, but you better gun it and DO NOT stop. Cars were even U-turning back down the Myers on ramp to get back on 509. crazy bastards. I’ve got a little front wheel drive Hyundai. Roxbury seemed slushy.

  • Kendra November 22, 2010 (7:45 pm)

    Does anyone know if you can get up 35th to the blue water towers?

  • Julie Salle November 22, 2010 (7:47 pm)

    My husband made it in pretty good time out of Sodo. Airport way southbound – pretty good. Lucille up to Beacon Hill – clear and deiced. 15th northbound to Columbia. Get onto WS freeway from Columbia. WS freeway and bridge clear.

  • ws November 22, 2010 (7:47 pm)

    Anybody going to the airport? We have a Chinese visitor trying to get to Disneyworld. Any ideas? My car is stuck on Admiral (parked nicely to the side) 2 miles away.

  • Susan November 22, 2010 (7:48 pm)

    So glad I bailed on my bus at 5pm at Qwest Field! It sounds like they are still on 1st Ave. S. I was home by 6:30, invigorated by a long and brisk walk home with a new friend.

  • Patrick Wieczorek November 22, 2010 (7:49 pm)

    I got off the bus at krispy kreme a walked home, about 90 minutes to thistle

  • Julie Salle November 22, 2010 (7:49 pm)

    35th has been treated but it’s still icey in places and wet in others. Message: don’t stop on the hill – just keep going and you should make it. good luck.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (7:49 pm)

    I have a question. At what point does this green chariot run out of petrol? We aren’t to the Chelan yet. Inching closer! – am thinking BPP should bust out some comp brew for all the bus adventurers tonight!

  • Judi November 22, 2010 (7:49 pm)

    Just heard from my daughter about the 1st Avenue Bridge. Southbound one lane is open and snaking around 4 stuck semis. She is now on 509 which is slick, but almost empty of traffic. Myers Way is a mess.

  • caspar babypants November 22, 2010 (7:50 pm)

    WOW! just over 4 hours from Ballard to Me Kwa Mooks! I feel like I just flew in from Charleston (esp since I have peanuts in the car) and boy is my booty tired! I think I feel a song brewing…ended up going over the 1st ave S bridge and back up marginal way…it werked!

  • m+y November 22, 2010 (7:51 pm)

    If leaving waterfront for WS now (7:50pm)…low bridge or high bridge?

  • Cathy November 22, 2010 (7:52 pm)

    Please tell me the best way to get home! Is I5 south to the bridge moving? Alaska way is still a dead stop!!

  • Tim November 22, 2010 (7:52 pm)

    My wife abandoned 1st ave s after waiting forever and went back to I5. Much faster way to get to WS

  • Cait November 22, 2010 (7:52 pm)

    JenS! Lucky hubby you’ve got there! Mine is still stuck in SODO with a dying phone. If anyone sees a tall, blonde, bearded guy with a crutch give him some encouragement. I’m sure it looks really REALLY pathetic right about now :(

  • umm November 22, 2010 (7:52 pm)

    Boyfriend just got home! Said he got in the car at Qwest at 6:40, took the 5, and was in WS by 7:10, and even got some grocery shopping done! I am much relieved, and happy to tell others that there is hope!

  • John S. November 22, 2010 (7:53 pm)

    Power outage on 20th ave on pigeon point/hill. Extending south from the point along 20th. 19th ave and lower have power. High winds, blowing snow.

  • ws November 22, 2010 (7:54 pm)

    Is the light rail running on time? Or at all?

  • Mack November 22, 2010 (7:55 pm)

    When I took driver’s ed, my teacher told us that a responsible driver owns chains and knows how to put them on. I got home because I put chains on my car today. I can’t believe how many cars didn’t have them.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (7:55 pm)

    Jens don’t see him but the bus is standing room only and I can’t see up front.

  • Corey November 22, 2010 (7:56 pm)

    Got home about a half hour ago. Was one of the many walking. A friend and I just couldn’t take the wait on the 54 after an hour and only making it to Safeco Field.

  • wsmom November 22, 2010 (7:56 pm)

    So, 599 a great decision. Husband moving at 30 MPH. Almost to West Marginal. So now the big question, should he go Highland Park Way to Holden or Spokane Street to Avalon! Urgently needs to use a bathroom :)! I know, too much info.

  • wsinadmiral November 22, 2010 (7:57 pm)

    Does anyone know if the light rail is running?

  • ReaderBear November 22, 2010 (7:57 pm)

    I was rescued near the top of Admiral Hill by a Angel driving an old Black 4×4 truck. Had a tow strap and got me to the level. So very grateful!

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (7:58 pm)

    It sounds like my friend is on a different #54 bus than laurakistan. She says they are still stuck on the 1st Ave S bridge and have not moved more than a few feet in the last hour. I heard something about jackknifed trucks that have the 1st Ave S bridge down to one lane. And there is a new 2-car accident on West Marginal Way @ SW Alaska (just north of the Duwamish Longhouse)

  • wsinadmiral November 22, 2010 (7:58 pm)

    We have a Chinese visitor trying to get to the airport to take lifelong dream trip to Disney World Orlando tonight. Any ideas? My car is (safely) abandoned 2 miles away. :-[

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (8:01 pm)

      WSinAdmiral, have you already tried Super Shuttle or a taxi/town car? Those folks have chains and mad driving skillz …

  • Sidney November 22, 2010 (7:59 pm)

    ALERT to those on Michigan or nearby!!!!!
    Okay. My genius hubby is home. He was on Michigan, turned around, went up Corson under i-5 up to 15th on Beacon Hill, went north to Columbia and across WS bridge. totally clear, only took him 15 minutes!!!!

  • Diana November 22, 2010 (8:00 pm)

    Highland park way is closed.

    Anyone know how the traffic is going headed OUT of West Seattle? My friend is stranded :)

  • I. Ponder November 22, 2010 (8:02 pm)

    Even if you have chains and 4-wheel drive you are still stuck behind people who don’t. How many cars ran out of gas? Only takes one to block the road. Weakest link. How about don’t drive? At least on the bus you’re safe and will eventually get home and you might even make new friends. Wear warm clothes, and boots in case you need to walk a mile or more. No high heels please. Duh?

  • wsinadmiral November 22, 2010 (8:03 pm)

    Any suggestions on a taxi? Probably too late to call super shuttle, don’t you think?

  • Mary November 22, 2010 (8:03 pm)

    It seems my earlier comment was completely crazy–an hour later and my friend’s bus is approaching Starbucks…he says it’s warm and he has a seat to himself so he may try to sleep.

  • Fiver November 22, 2010 (8:06 pm)

    My Fiance left work from King St next to Safeco at 3:30pm today – and has now waited 3.5 hours for the lower bridge. She is now on Spokane ready to go up the bridge and there is a semi stalled westbound. Seattle Police just showed up on the scene.

  • webcami November 22, 2010 (8:08 pm)

    The wind is absolutely WICKED on Alki tonight.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (8:09 pm)

    420 54. Just passed the Chelan!!! Progress. Now we are talking! Might be home by 830. Have now well surpassed my 2008 storm bus record!

  • suzanne November 22, 2010 (8:10 pm)

    Thanks for all the updates, which my husband was reading to me on the phone as I sat rotting on E Marginal Way. FIVE HOURS from Kirkland, 90% of it between Sodo and the lower bridge. And when they finally opened the lower bridge, people immediately resumed terrible driving and blocked it again. The 4WD vehicles are just passing the stopped cars (presumably all at the end of their ropes, like me). Having a Subaru, I made it, but at one point had to wave frantically out the window to get the cretin in the minivan behind me to STAY BACK! Jeez, the bridge was pure ice and they were right behind me! Sorry for venting, but that’s what a 5-hour commute does to a bike commuter (normally).

  • Emmyjane November 22, 2010 (8:11 pm)

    Going into my fourth hour of commuting now and stuck waiting to get over the 1st ave s bridge. At this rate should be home by midnight.

  • Alison November 22, 2010 (8:12 pm)

    And now the snowmobiles and/or ATVs are out in full force in the Seaview neighborhood. We saw one ATV earlier. I hear something now but I’m in the basement and can’t see them.

  • sophista-tiki November 22, 2010 (8:13 pm)

    This isnt about the commute. But It might be a good idea to go out and nock some snow off of trees and plants so libs dont break. I did my palm tree and all of the bamboo. I also took the broom and nocked down all the snow on the protable car holes so they dont cave in ontop of the cars

  • AmandaLeonard November 22, 2010 (8:13 pm)

    I’m trying not to break down, but it has been five hours on the bus. The driver is snappy and complains because she should be home. Shouldn’t we alll

  • clark5080 November 22, 2010 (8:16 pm)

    Weird from reading this sounds like the 4:20 54 is ahead of the 3:50 54 which my wife is still on down on 1st ave.

  • John November 22, 2010 (8:16 pm)

    @laurakistan
    I think I was on the same bus but bailed just south of Home Depot to walk with a buddy. We stopped in at the Skylark for a beer and a warmup. Got home to the Junction just after 7:30. Next time I’ll bring a hat and gloves.

  • toddinwestwood November 22, 2010 (8:16 pm)

    we just went down and rescued wife unit who walked down from Swedish to first, caught a bus, spent two point five hours on said bus and only made it to Lander St. She got off and waited. We drove 35th to the bridge, then south on first, picked her up, went north to James and got on 5 south at 6th, very easy. 5 south was slow, but once on the bridge it was good. 35th was a ok too.

    Cheers everyone. Gives us something to talk about at the next W.S. Blog shin dig huh?

  • wsmom November 22, 2010 (8:17 pm)

    Hey, any word on Avalon Way? Is it passable??

    West Marginal was a dream compared to East Marginal. Now for the final stretch.

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (8:17 pm)

    We are now at Alaska junction!! Thank you best bus driver ever for getting us home, sort of starving, but safe and sound in just at 4 hours! With a bonus full sodo inustrial district tour

    Now let’s talk about that sugary sandy brine application…..

  • eyeye November 22, 2010 (8:17 pm)

    Catherine:
    She just made it home after a 1.5 hour stint NB on W Marginal Way. Sorry for the lag in response. Been making storm preparations!
    -eyeye (is a boy)

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (8:18 pm)

    clark5080: As strange as that sounds, I think you’re correct. My friend assured me that she got on the bus before 4:20. She sent me a text at 4:22 saying she was on the bus. But apparently she had already been on there a while by that time.

  • Julia B. November 22, 2010 (8:18 pm)

    wsinadmiral – My husband saw the light rail running in both directions at Boeing Access Road. Sound Transit’s website says there are no service interruptions. Hope that helps.

  • S5 November 22, 2010 (8:19 pm)

    Hang in there AmandaLeonard!

  • Paul November 22, 2010 (8:19 pm)

    I stayed home today

  • cherylc November 22, 2010 (8:21 pm)

    My husband saw someone receiving CPR on West Marginal Way about an hour ago. A man, he thought. I hope that guy is okay.

    Took my husband four hours to go from Kent to Fairmont Springs. The heat doesn’t work well in our truck, so he was very cold.

  • mworth November 22, 2010 (8:22 pm)

    Just heard something go boom around Holden and Delridge… power going kerplooie perhaps? Ours is still on…

  • P November 22, 2010 (8:22 pm)

    Tow truck just past me, turning toward lower bridge. But he is stuck in gridlock too

  • Alkira November 22, 2010 (8:23 pm)

    Had a three and a half hour commute home from Fremont. Three and a half hours to cover nine miles. Bumper to bumper crawl. I left at 4pm. Took 99 S. Tunnel was closed so turned off at Space Needle. VERY slick there. Headed down to RealNetworks and took the onramp to the viaduct there. Viaduct was open there. Took offramp to W. Seattle Bridge. Subarus and Jeeps sliding so I took Harbor. Very slick. Bunch of folks parked illegally and saw about a hundred people walking. Followed Harbor Ave and Alki Ave home to Alki. HOME! Thank goodness. Viciously cold and windy outside.

  • webcami November 22, 2010 (8:23 pm)

    ALL SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED! JUST GOT THE ROBOCALL FOR SEATTLE SCHOOLS!

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (8:25 pm)

      It’s not on their site yet … nor on schoolreport.org … so I’m going to hold off sounding the clarion call for a minute … The Teenager is happy to hear it, though.
      .
      update … another reliable WSB’er just got the same call … that’s two sources, I’m going with it…We haven’t gotten our call yet, though!

  • TM November 22, 2010 (8:24 pm)

    Update: Just got over upper bridge from near stadiums via 5. Take Royal Brougham between Safeco and Events Center, follow signs 90-5 South. Took 25 minutes to Junction from Safeco. Bridge pretty clear, very windy. Was on apex of bridge at 8:30, anticipate blowing snow and colder temps to be an issue tonight. Good luck!

  • Francine November 22, 2010 (8:24 pm)

    Can anyone comment on buses coming into West Seattle? My boyfriend is stuck downtown 2nd and Virginia, and is not sure whether to try a bus or risk driving in his car with less than optimal tires.

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (8:24 pm)

    Eyeye,

    Glad *SHE* made it home :o) Sorry about the lack of reading comprehension. The snow ate my brain.

    My husband finally made it to West Marginal. Let’s hope he gets home soon! It must be frustrating to have to go around W Marginal when normally he could just go up HP and be right there.

    Cheers to everyone.

  • sara November 22, 2010 (8:24 pm)

    Husband stuck on bus 55 in SODO area since ~ 6. Deciding to walk. He’s by dwntwn H. Depot now. We live in Seaview.

  • WSMOM November 22, 2010 (8:26 pm)

    what about garbage pick up Tuesday?

  • Cathy November 22, 2010 (8:26 pm)

    Turned around after 4 hours sitting on Alaska way. Now back on I5 and moving slowly, but moving!!! haven’t reached the bridge yet but getting closer!
    I’ll keep you posted

  • sara November 22, 2010 (8:27 pm)

    @laurakistan — How long did your walk take? Thx!

  • Kristi November 22, 2010 (8:29 pm)

    I’m proud to live in West Seattle. Cheers to all of you who commuted home today OR are still on their way.

    Cheers to those of you who trudged home with someone you didn’t know, helped someone out in the snow or just talked to someone new on the bus.

    It makes this world a little bit better…

  • Lura November 22, 2010 (8:29 pm)

    I got the call too.

  • Shfy1 November 22, 2010 (8:30 pm)

    my husband is going to the airport now to pick up our friend, planes ontime which is good. i will let you know how the back roads are from here to seatac, when he gets back. thus far he says 35th isn’t bad.(35th to rox, to 16th to ambaum to airpot.)

  • me on 28th Ave SW November 22, 2010 (8:31 pm)

    Man, we need more jobs in West Seattle…..

  • me on 28th Ave SW November 22, 2010 (8:32 pm)

    We got the Robo call too. Relieved to know that school is cancelled tonight instead of worrying about it early tomorrow.

  • Cathy November 22, 2010 (8:33 pm)

    OMG! we made Iit to the bridge.
    Alaska way folks- turn around and take 90 to I5 S.

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (8:39 pm)

      We will probably put up the “overnight” snow story around 9:30-10 pm, hope everyone is home by then.
      .
      Meantime, I’m going to create a separate story about the people who walked home. Obviously lots of stories here. But if anyone who walked (or got home) has a photo to share … please send it … I’ve just received one that I’m going to start with … will add the URL for that story when it’s created …

  • normal November 22, 2010 (8:36 pm)

    Does anyone else think people are overreacting here?

    It’s a **little** snow. Just use common sense. No need to abandon cars and freak out. Chill out (pun intended).

  • Gina November 22, 2010 (8:36 pm)

    Walked to Admiral District from 4th and Madison downtown. Took 2 hours and 45 minutes. Hardest part was having to stand still and wait for the train to go by!

  • soosan November 22, 2010 (8:36 pm)

    Five hours from Harborview to 53rd & Charlestown–do I have the record?

    West Marginal slow but moving. Hardly anyone taking Spokane to Admiral–traffic on Marginal is all Delridge or Harbor Ave. Admiral’s icy at the top, by the bend/lookout. There are folks out giving tows right around there. After that it’s smooth sailing, just take it nice and easy.

  • Lo November 22, 2010 (8:37 pm)

    Has anyone got any inforomation about whether or not you can get onto the viaduct from downtown, heading south, at the time of this posting? My friend is stuck on Alaskan Way, heading to the low bridge, and not moving. He is debating turning around to try to get onto the viaduct. SDOT says the viaduct southbound is closed, but he can see cars on it. If so, which entrance is open???
    Thanks!

  • Karen November 22, 2010 (8:37 pm)

    Any updates on status of traffic on the lower bridge/Spokane St? My husband has been holed up at the Diner across from Pink Elephant Car Wash on 4th Ave for the past hour+…hoping for traffic to get better…

  • MMB November 22, 2010 (8:37 pm)

    My sympathies go to anyone who is still out there. If I’d known how bad it was before I left work 2 3:15 I would not have tried the WS bridge. I got home in good order but was shaking for 1/2 an hour afterward. Maybe the WS bridge isn’t closed, but should be. I have an AWD Subaru and I felt so bad for folks who were spun out there in the blizzard. I did not dare stop to help. If you are still downtown – get a hotel – it is costly but if you can swing it, you will be better off.

  • 34th and Thistle November 22, 2010 (8:38 pm)

    Avalon is slick but drivable between 35th and Spokane.

    Delridge is the best street I’ve seen all evening – bare and wet in places, a little slick in others.

    Hope everybody else who walked across the low bridge made it home safe!

  • Steve November 22, 2010 (8:39 pm)

    sdot must have forgot where they left the salt

    https://westseattleblog.com/2010/11/mayorsdot-snow-readiness-event-greeted-by-stormy-weather

  • k2 November 22, 2010 (8:39 pm)

    good thing I rode my bike, took me 15 minutes to get home to west seattle from Downtown :)

  • eyeye November 22, 2010 (8:40 pm)

    Good luck to everyone out there – and many thanks to WSB for keeping us all in touch! Looks like my SODO station walk to the Triangle took 47 min. Whew! That was more running than I have done in a while!
    Cait – I saw your man at the Sears tire center about 5 minutes into my trek. Hope he gets home soon!

  • wsinadmiral November 22, 2010 (8:41 pm)

    Are any busses heading out of west seattle? We are going to walk and try to find a bus to the Light rail to airport. All cabs busy. Crazy?

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (8:43 pm)

    420 54 bus – Survived the bus gauntlet! 4 hours and 7 minutes and now home. Thanked Phillip the bus driver profusely for being such a good driver and keeping us safe. And he still has quite a ways to go. Thank you, Phillip.

  • Minimad November 22, 2010 (8:43 pm)

    Wondering if you could give some insight as to what the conditions will be like tomorrow? I’m thinking roads, weather, etc. Is it reasonable to expect to be able to get to work tomorrow (I live in Seattle/Queen Anne).

    Thanks so much!

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (8:50 pm)

      Minimad – Re: conditions tomorrow: It is going to get so cold tonight, per all the experts (heck, it’s cold already) that there will be plenty of ice. I honestly hope that if you are not life-threateningly mission-critical, that your employer will let you telecommute, take the day off, etc. Do you have chains?

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (8:44 pm)

    Just got an update on that 3:50 #54 bus. STILL on the 1st Ave S bridge. STILL not moving! Ugh.

  • diane November 22, 2010 (8:44 pm)

    2 amazing gentelmen,yes they still exist,helped tow myself and several others up Admiral way.I left work at 4pm hoping to get off the streets before they froze.It took 4 hours to get home to Genessee from Georgetown.First I should have taken West Marginal way rather than East Marginal/Spokane bridge and secondly I should have taken Harbor Avenue rather than Admiral!Thank you gentelmen!!!!!!

  • Rhonda Porter November 22, 2010 (8:44 pm)

    Stay warm and safe, everybody! Thanks WSB for keeping the WS community informed :)

  • Lee November 22, 2010 (8:46 pm)

    Cathy: thank you so much for your post. My sis has been sitting on Alaska for 4 hours.

  • Carole November 22, 2010 (8:46 pm)

    55s just came north and south on California crossing Charleston

  • laurakistan November 22, 2010 (8:46 pm)

    @ John – Next time I am going with the beer and hiking bunch. I am up near Morgan junction so thought it would be too far… but what is another mile at that point. Glad all are home safe.

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (8:47 pm)

    My husband is home and happy to report that West Marginal to Delridge is a breeze. He made it home from the bottom of HP hill, along West Marginal, up Delridge and even had time to stop at 7-11! 20 minutes later- he’s all mine!!

  • Kate K November 22, 2010 (8:49 pm)

    Let the dog out and was surprised by a mini snowdrift of 4-5″ against the door! Gusty wind blowing snow and very cold by Genesee/47th.

    BTW – dog didn’t seem to mind the cold at all!

  • Meg November 22, 2010 (8:50 pm)

    My husband’s 56 bus just made the turn off 1st ave south bridge, onto west marginal. Hope we see him B4 tomorrow morning!

  • LE November 22, 2010 (8:50 pm)

    My daughter has been on the 37 bus on 1st for about three hours. The bus has just made a u-turn with the help of a passenger who stood in the road to block traffic. Now they are headed east to go on the high bridge.

  • Rachelachel November 22, 2010 (8:50 pm)

    3 hour commute home from Northwest hospital. Most of it stuck downtown when I had to get off 99 due to closed viaduct. Pleased to find 1st and columbia 99 on ramp open! Smooth sailing from there at about 7 this evening. If you don’t have chains or 4 wheel drive, don’t even think about driving out there.

  • 22 Bus Voyager November 22, 2010 (8:52 pm)

    I just made it home from the SoDo. Left work at 3PM and arrived at my step at 830PM. Unbelievable. My new word is “snowmmuter”.

  • Cait November 22, 2010 (8:53 pm)

    Eyeye! Thanks for the report! Just got word that he’s on Airport Way trying to get up Boeing Access Rd. Slow, slow going out there…

  • Monosyllabic Girl November 22, 2010 (8:53 pm)

    Good to hear about W Marginal. About to make an airport pickup in about 1/2 hour.

  • Trileigh November 22, 2010 (8:53 pm)

    So proud of West Seattleites and our wonderful WSBlog! Intrepid folks all.
    And a special thank-you to all those heroic bus drivers…keeping folks warm and as safe as possible.

  • Lo November 22, 2010 (8:53 pm)

    Is the High Bridge a sheet of ice? Drivable? Thanks. First time using the site this way, and really appreciating it.

  • deborah November 22, 2010 (8:55 pm)

    thank you to those who informed us of their I5 success the past hour or so, as we were able to advise our friend with a toddler how to get home after 4+ hours stuck on Alaskan Way. We hope she gets home in an hour or so! My hubbie is heading out to Admiral to help tow. Hang in there everyone! I know this is cheesy, but these shared difficult experiences help connect us by giving us opportunities to help each other.

  • Aaron November 22, 2010 (8:55 pm)

    Just spent four hours trying to get home from Capitol Hill. Bridge was closed on my first try, but then after a couple hours on 4th trying to get to the 509 I back-tracked on side streets up into Beacon Hill and got back to the now open bridge and it was smooth sailing. Still some abandoned cars on the hill of the bridge. Very windy on the top of the bridge. Stay safe everyone.

  • skategrrl November 22, 2010 (8:55 pm)

    Wow. Serious cheers to you guys and good luck to those of you still out there. Hoping man with crutch is okay. Please post an update…

  • DMcG November 22, 2010 (8:57 pm)

    cherylc, I saw the person getting CPR along West Marginal too. There were already a lot of people there when I passed by and shortly after there were 3 fire trucks going in that direction. Hopefully the person is ok.

    The commute took me a bit over 4 hours from Kent to the Charleston area. Very glad I got new tires on my truck a week ago and 4 bags of sand to throw in the back from the Junction True Value last night. I’m thinking that tomorrow I’m staying home and not making the trek to Kent and back again.

  • Ken November 22, 2010 (8:57 pm)

    I feel lucky to have made it home at 4PM from within WS. Everything was icy even then.

  • Minimad November 22, 2010 (8:57 pm)

    WSB- no chains. I drive a mini and am not even lucky enough to claim 4 wheel drive. I am also a student at SPU and work on Mercer Island. So far SPU hasn’t issued a school closure notice. Just wondering how reasonable it is to expect conditions to be the same in the morning/throughout tomorrow afternoon..

  • Bunnyfer November 22, 2010 (8:57 pm)

    Any word on wind speed and/or gusts? I’ve been reading reports of 16mph, gusting to 27, but I swear it’s much stronger than that. Blowing the siding off my neighbor’s house – hope ours is okay!

  • Brian November 22, 2010 (8:58 pm)

    We walked home after watching only two blocks worth of traffic pass by on 1st at Madison at 5pm in 15 minutes. We made it 6.5 miles in a little over 2 hours on foot.

    Glad we did. We easily walked 4-5 times the speed of everyone stuck on first. Most everyone who walked with us was in good spirit, but how could you not when you think you could be stuck in traffic?

    Crazy to find that the whole mess was caused by one or two people burning tires trying to make it over the Spokane street bridge. I think I’ll work from home tomorrow.

  • Cami November 22, 2010 (8:58 pm)

    Wind and snow have really kicked it up a notch on Alki!!!!!

  • sam November 22, 2010 (8:58 pm)

    that’s the best news I’ve heard all day! a new Caspar Babypants song about getting home to WS in snow-snarled traffic.
    :)
    hopefully everyone will be home and warm soon…..

  • Mary November 22, 2010 (8:58 pm)

    Not sure this is the Mayor & City Council fault – at least in the immediate sense. I drove around west seattle today taking kids to and from school, running errands and all day long I saw plows dropping sand/deicing material on the roadways. At 3pm the snow looked more like tiny balls of sleet than fluffy flakes.
    I wonder if we have enough equipment to handle the weather, or maybe we have too many bridges to manage. I have lived in many snowy places in my life and bridges were closed in bad weather. I think one of our problems is that we have SO Many bridges. Not to say things couldn’t have been better. I am just trying to take an objective look it instead of playing the blame game. And yes, my hubby walked home from 1st and Lander tonight. Hope everyone gets home safely – that is the important thing.

  • Cait November 22, 2010 (8:59 pm)

    Skategrl – Mr. Crutches isn’t home yet and was about 3 hours out at the last report half an hour ago. I can tell you he has a hot dinner waiting at home though, if the power holds out.

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (8:59 pm)

    Anyone know the current status of the low bridge?

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:02 pm)

    This is completely ridiculous. For a city to leave even PART of it’s population essentially out in the “arctic” temperatures (thanks to the local media for providing that wonderfully chaotic, panic inducing word) is insanity.

    Did we not learn from the major blizzard two years ago to be prepared for this?

    We have people leaving their vehicles like some sort of Apocalypse and just walking home, risking hypothermia. Just to keep themselves from freezing to death.

    SEATTLE-DOT SHOULD BE ASHAMED.

  • Rhonda Porter November 22, 2010 (9:05 pm)

    hubby has been stuck waiting to get on the lower bridge–is it stuck?

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (9:06 pm)

      WSB contributor Katie has a relative who got “onto” the bridge – but she told said relative to call when she got across … and I haven’t heard of that call coming in yet …

  • Francine November 22, 2010 (9:05 pm)

    Has anyone successfully taken a cab from downtown to West Seattle? Looking for options here! The BF is still stuck downtown.

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (9:07 pm)

      Bunnyfer – I just checked the 9 pm readings. Highest reading in the region was about 30 – Alki Point station wasn’t weighing in – sure sounds more ferocious than that outside our west-facing window …

  • dirtylatrines November 22, 2010 (9:05 pm)

    I’ve been on the 21 bus for 5 hours now. 2 years since the last snow storm and nothing has changed. People in Seattle still don’t know how to drive.

  • bridge to somewhere November 22, 2010 (9:06 pm)

    Minimad-the wet roads from today are now covered by snow, and the temps are well below freezing, so the roads will be a complete mess tomorrow. And the mini without chains will be completely ineffective on hills, unless you’ve got snow tires and/or chains and you are an *extremely* good winter driver. Take this from someone who lived 18 years in the Midwest.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:07 pm)

    @cjboffoli re: the low bridge.

    At a stand still. Apparently a few jack-knifed semi’s? People parked in the fishing areas and walking. Ice and slick conditions that have gone untouched by any crews. No one seems to be moving.

    Here’s some S-DOT cams. http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers/

  • RG November 22, 2010 (9:07 pm)

    A big thank you to the wonderful lady and her two kids picking walkers up on Admiral and driving us home. Despite many tempers on the road tonight, slams against car types and politicians, this is what West Seattle is about — a good samaritan rescuing people and delivering them safely home. Thank you for ending my 3-1/2 hr commute (normally 10 mins) from sodo to Admiral end with a smile!

  • Genesee November 22, 2010 (9:07 pm)

    My husband left Starbucks HQ on 1st Ave. at 4:20pm. He has only made it 2.2 miles down 1st Avenue on his bus at his last report. Wondering if he will ever make it home to the Admiral area.

  • RC November 22, 2010 (9:08 pm)

    Our son just made it home on his carpool from his middle school near Montlake. 5 hours! (For some reason his school’s admin decided not to dismiss the students until 3:30 pm!)

    A tree fell across the southbound side of California Ave SW at the corner of SW Walker St. You can only get by on the east side of the parking strip of California.

  • wsmom November 22, 2010 (9:08 pm)

    Thanks for the helpful tips. My husband made it home safe and sound. Hope all of you still out there get home very soon!!!

    West Marginal, up Avalon! It was slow going, but better than not going at all on East Marginal.

  • Steve November 22, 2010 (9:08 pm)

    My wife has been stuck on southbound Alaska way for 4 hours, with no sign of progress. She is hemmed in by trucks making it difficult to try alternative routes. My commute from Auburn took 5 hours and three quarters tank of gas.

  • bridge to somewhere November 22, 2010 (9:09 pm)

    I noticed a homeless guy at a park nearby. I brought him some extra clothes, cash, and food–but does anyone else have suggestions? There aren’t any shelters in West Seattle apparently, and it doesn’t appear that there are buses to take people out of West Seattle or shelters that are able to take folks–especially those folks who don’t appear to want to go to a shelter.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:09 pm)

    FRANCINE ~ If you can find a cab, you’re probably a close relative of Jesus.

  • suzanne November 22, 2010 (9:10 pm)

    Regarding the lower bridge, they cleared the jack-knifed bus at about 730, but once cars started going over, they also started spinning and stopping in the middle of the bridge. I sneaked past the stopped cars (Subaru :)) and encountered a pretty badly iced bridge, so I would not be surprised if it’s blocked. Turn around and take the upper bridge – I saw the de-icers going over it at about 700.
    Good luck, everyone.

  • Lo November 22, 2010 (9:11 pm)

    Cathy, did you make it back from the high bridge?

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:11 pm)

    @ bridge to somewhere. Awesome. You’re a shining star in West Seattle. Which, apparently, is a place where authorities couldn’t give a crap if we all live or die.

  • M November 22, 2010 (9:12 pm)

    Anyone know how 35th is from the WS Bridge to arbor heights? Or is there a better way to get to arbor heights from the WS Bridge?

  • ad November 22, 2010 (9:13 pm)

    Cait, oh I wish I could rescue him and all the others!

    I can’t believe this is happening again.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:13 pm)

    WHERE ARE THE WEST SEATTLE POLICE? I know that criminals are too cold to be out doing crimes. Let’s get a few units out there setting up flares and directing traffic. Pushing these cars out of the way. They’re on ice, for gods sake.

    Get our families home.

  • Rhonda Porter November 22, 2010 (9:13 pm)

    Thanks, Suzanne! My husband is turning around to attempt the upper bridge and avoid the lower one. What a night!

  • Ant November 22, 2010 (9:14 pm)

    So I am in Belltown and my house is just off 49th and Admiral. I know I can probably get to 5 and then onto the bridge with little problem, how risky is it trying to get to that area of the west seattle? How is Admiral overall? Anyone know how 49th is?

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (9:15 pm)

      Low bridge update from Kimberley: “Bus is jack-knifed at crest heading west bound, cars slowly getting around disabled
      car on eastbound. Very slow going (4.f hour commute from 5th/Col. Not home yet)”

  • zac November 22, 2010 (9:14 pm)

    hung out in sodo for a few hours eating korean food waiting for 1st to improve. never did. back tracked to i-5 south which was a crawl, but not a parking lot. WSB is empty. I had chains and it was fine, but very windy at the top. looks like a parking lot getting on the lower bridge last i saw.

  • m November 22, 2010 (9:16 pm)

    someone give the crutches guy a ride….worried about him.

  • Alkira November 22, 2010 (9:16 pm)

    Mary, I am with you.

    In Chicago, they have 1700 snow plows. In Seattle, we have 12. We just don’t get that much snow. I would rather have money invested in schools and parks, than hundreds of expensive snow plows. I know that if it snows, it’s going to be a tough commute. Period. And I can live with that.

    Who cares if the Water Taxi can’t run a few days out of the year due to waves? I’m grateful for the days it does run and I thank Dow for that.

    Folks, if it’s bad outside, don’t go out. Telecommute. Call in sick. The only people that should be out there are the people that can’t telecommute or call in sick. 90% of the problem with the commute tonight was the sheer volume of cars. Most of those people didn’t need to be out there.

    We are in a recession. Cuts are being made to the budget. We all have to work together to make sure that the budget we have is going to the right places. I am grateful for what we DO have.

  • waterworld November 22, 2010 (9:16 pm)

    I read a comment a while ago recommending I5 over 1st Avenue South. I hung out at a Starbucks in Sodo for a couple hours waiting for 1st Ave to clear, which it did not. After seeing the comments a while ago, I left and took I5 and the high bridge. Smooth sailing all the way. It’s slow on I5, but moving, and the bridge is slippery but not backed up. So if you are still in Seattle or sitting in traffic on 1st Ave, head over to I5.

  • L November 22, 2010 (9:17 pm)

    Finally home from Bellevue. Ditched the madness on 1st Ave S, turned around hopped on I-5 from Columbia Ave and I was home in North Admiral 10 minutes later (after stopping to take a picture of the downed tree on CA & Hill.) The upper bridge and Admiral Hill were fine in my Honda Accord. I never even slipped. Just look out for a semi on top of Admiral Hill- keep it about 10 mph at the viewpoint.

  • Lee November 22, 2010 (9:17 pm)

    anyone else use 1st & Columbia on-ramp since 7:00P? Is it open now? Can’t locate any info online.

  • AmandaLeonard November 22, 2010 (9:18 pm)

    I finally bailed from the bus going no where. Husband came to pick me up at jack in the box. Now we are approaching lower bridge and it is moving. I left work at 3:00 and I am exhausted.

  • Born To Be Mild November 22, 2010 (9:20 pm)

    @jonathan…S-DOT is never going to be able to make winter conditions like a sunny day. And if they tried, taxes would be so high that you couldn’t afford to live here. City government puts a lot of effort into doing the best that they can under the circumstances. My girlfriend made it home from downtown to Gatewood in 1988 in 8 hours, but she wasn’t some kind of puss. (I came home when I saw the first flakes, because I am)

  • linda November 22, 2010 (9:20 pm)

    Kudos to all the metro drivers out there doing there jobs in this horrible weather!!!
    I just heard from my boyfriend, one of the bus drivers dealing with driving in this. He just made it back to his base, about an hour and fifteen minutes late. Since he is supposed to be back at work at 4:58 a.m. tomorrow morning, he is staying the night at the base. I don’t relish the idea of spending the night alone in this weather and maybe not seeing him until late tomorrow afternoon but am VERY thankful he is safe and warm.

  • Jamie November 22, 2010 (9:21 pm)

    what a nightmarish ordeal to get home. when oh when will seattle get it together when it comes to snow??? did they not learn ANYTHING from the snow of 2008? i left work on capitol hill at 3:30 and didn’t get home to west seattle until almost 8pm. that included walking a half hour to downtown, then sitting on a bus for an hour just to get to SODO. then i got off and walked the remaining 4+ miles home in blizzard like conditions (with a much needed pit stop at luna park to defrost, the only place i passed that was open…kudos to luna park!). many fellow bus commuters were also walking over the lower bridge. traffic in all directions was a parking lot and only a few cars even trying to move, unsuccessfully. abandoned cars all over marginal, near lower bridge and on avalon.

  • PotatoPanOtis November 22, 2010 (9:21 pm)

    Crutches Guy,
    Do you read me? Crutches Guy, please come in! Crutches Guy, we worry. Crutches Guy, we love you, please come in!

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:22 pm)

    @ Alkira ~ it’s tough when those 12 plows go to the 7 richest neighborhoods in Seattle and the rest of us get screwed.

    Big difference.

    And I had to laugh when I read what you wrote about “Folks, if it’s bad outside, don’t go out. Telecommute. Call in sick. The only people that should be out there are the people that can’t telecommute or call in sick.” and then in the same post wrote, “We are in a recession…”

    I will tell my boss that. “It’s bad outside, so I am not going out.” Or, maybe I will tell my landlord that.

  • Cait November 22, 2010 (9:22 pm)

    Crutches Guy is still in his car but was considering getting out and walking so for right now he’s fine – hopefully he stays that way. He was on crutches getting around SODO in the early afternoon while waiting for tires and I’m really hoping that he doesn’t have to hobble around in the cold. He already had a close call in the Sears parking lot earlier…

  • skategrrl November 22, 2010 (9:24 pm)

    Thanks, Cait. Please post when he gets in. I just cannot get the image of Mr. Crutches out of my head! Poor guy. :(( Glad he has a hot dinner waiting!

    And thanks WSB for your absolutely earth shatteringly great coverage… again. :)

  • Cami November 22, 2010 (9:25 pm)

    The blowing snow has not let up on Alki. Unreal!

  • Alison November 22, 2010 (9:26 pm)

    Great comment Alkira. I couldn’t agree more. Hubby will work from home tomorrow – no way I want him driving in this! And he’s lucky I called him around 2:40 today as I left to pick our son up at preschool. I said it looked bad and he should head out right away. He looked out the window and Renton looked fine. But thankfully, he left and made it home in about 45 min. (only about 15 minutes more than normal)

  • JoshyD November 22, 2010 (9:26 pm)

    Does anyone know if buses are still running (slow is better then not-at-all) from downtown? I had to come into work today (i was on the 56 that sorta jackknifed on the lower bridge…that was some fun) but I dunno how I’m getting home if they’re not running.

    Thanks gang.

  • Alki Resident November 22, 2010 (9:28 pm)

    David C. it was a pleasure driving you up Admiral hill and all the others I helped too.It was fun and Im glad I was able to help.Especially the two ladies with the one week old baby.Kari

  • Moose November 22, 2010 (9:28 pm)

    It took me 5hrs to get home to the jct from dt on the bus. I’m thankful to be home safe and the bus driver did a superb job.

  • cathyw November 22, 2010 (9:28 pm)

    Crutches guy should not get out of his car. He should call 911 instead and explain his situation.

  • WS Mom November 22, 2010 (9:28 pm)

    Anyone watch the KIRO report earlier of the hill in West Seattle with a closed sign that hadn’t been put out. And, it was on the list of closed roads for snow routes. Why the heck didn’t KIRO close the road? Why do we always have to wait for some magical entity to fix things? We are the city, doesn’t mean we have to wait for someone from the city to come.

  • Michele November 22, 2010 (9:30 pm)

    Can anyone please clarify if lower bridge closed? We just got off our 21 on first and made it to Hanford and can you believe it?- the bud is blocked by a train!!! People have been on this bus for three plus hours just from downtown. The west Seattle traffic problems are totally exacerbated by this weather mess. I can’t believe this nightmare. Unacceptable.

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (9:31 pm)

      Lower bridge is not CLOSED but there are stuck vehicles that are making it difficult going, according to the most recent reports we’ve received.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:31 pm)

    @ Born To Be Mild ~ 1) I can barely afford to live here anyways. 2) I am not expecting a sunny day during the winter, I am expecting it not to be 2,000 abandoned cars on the road without any assistance from the Police or Transit Authorities.

    I would love to/and will look up the stats on just how MUCH effort the city government puts into this. In my driving today I saw ZERO, YES ZERO TRUCKS. I saw a total of 4 men with shovels and ice bags. THAT’S the best we can do as a metropolis? Even in Albuquerque where I lived for 30 years we had a better army of plow trucks. This is in the desert.

    Build less prisons, maybe. Raise taxes on the rich fat cats making over 200,000 a year. BAM, we have some extra spending. Not a hard concept, really.

  • Tony November 22, 2010 (9:31 pm)

    Thank you so much Sidney for your tip on Michigan-corson- beacon hill. It saved us!!!

  • donm November 22, 2010 (9:32 pm)

    @Sidney Thanks! Your tip on your husbands brilliant maneuver up to Beacon Hill saved me a lot of time and headaches. I’m very appreciative and so is my sweetheart.

  • PotatoPanOtis November 22, 2010 (9:34 pm)

    I vote for an emmisary (with Hummer or any other 4wd vehicle that we all have distained previous to tonight) to RESCUE Crutches Guy. There’s a shared hot dinner in it for ya! Right, Cait?

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:35 pm)

    Alison ~ AWESOME. That must’ve been a relief. But my wife is sleeping in he car.

  • Tim November 22, 2010 (9:37 pm)

    I am in downtown Bellevue and heading home to westside soon. If you are stuck over here and need a ride call 425-455-2033 by 9:50

  • Sheila B. November 22, 2010 (9:37 pm)

    I got on a route 120 bus at 3:15 pm downtown and we barely moved for hours in SODO. We finally got to Delridge at 8:30 pm. Yes, it true, though hard to believe it could over 5 hours. What happened to SDOT being prepared???? Did not see a single sander or salt truck in those 5 plus hours in the bus. Roads & bridges are solid ice.

  • 4wdrescue November 22, 2010 (9:38 pm)

    @ wsinadmiral hubby says he will take Chinese friend to airport. Have 4wd . What area r u in?

  • desertdweller November 22, 2010 (9:38 pm)

    Ugh. The 21 Southbound that left the I.D. at 4pm still hasn’t made it to Westwood. :-(

  • Alison November 22, 2010 (9:39 pm)

    @Jonathon – why didn’t she leave early??

  • Cait November 22, 2010 (9:39 pm)

    Last report he’s still in his car, so no need to worry yet – I’m pretty sure I’ve convinced him that sleeping in the car is better than trying to make it home tonight. He’s a fisherman so he’s got all kinds of emergency stuff in his flatbed. I’m just worried about him getting out to get something and slipping… and for all my worrying, his biggest concern is probably finding a place to pull over and get cigarettes and pee, I’m sure.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:40 pm)

    @PotatoPanOtis ~ GET THAT HUMMER to the low-bridge and push all of those stupid cars out of the way. It won’t be hard, it’ll be like moving a puck on ice and we can all get our families home.

  • skategrrl November 22, 2010 (9:42 pm)

    Cait, thanks for the update! Just let us know when he gets in– whether it’s tomorrow, late tonight, etc. Based on your description, it’s becoming clear Mr. Crutches is, in fact, a man. ;) We wish you the best.

  • RL November 22, 2010 (9:44 pm)

    Just got home from SODO. Got on the I-90 ramp from the stadium, took I-5 south (slow but steady), got on the W. Seattle bridge (wide open as it was just iced and plowed) and then down Delridge (icy but ok)….it took 50 minutes. Glad to be home.

    Be safe to all who are still out there.

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (9:45 pm)

    Jonathon- my 64 year old father walked from Georgetown to Highland Park. He’s unstoppable. While he was very good-natured about it, it made me sad to think of him out there. So cold. So dark.

  • Alison November 22, 2010 (9:45 pm)

    @Jonathon you sound so freakin’ bitter!

  • Matt November 22, 2010 (9:46 pm)

    My wife is on the 21x. They are not going over the bridge. They are going south on 1st and coming back up W. Marginal Way.

  • ddd November 22, 2010 (9:46 pm)

    I’m assuming Tuesday’s trash/recycling pickup isn’t going to happen.
    .
    Any idea on whether they’ll try on Wednesday, or wait til next week?

  • Catherine November 22, 2010 (9:47 pm)

    WSB- how many hits has this story gotten? I’ve come back at least 100 times ;)

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (9:54 pm)

      Catherine – We don’t count individual stories since the entire story is published on the home page. But since you ask, I can tell you that overall pageviews have long since set a new WSB daily record. The last record, you won’t be surprised to hear, was in December 2008, the worst day of Snowpocalypse ’08. Our average day here averages 27,000 pageviews for the site – that 2008 record was 60,503 – right now unless everyone turns off their computer/smartphone/tablet/whatever immediately, we are on track for about 80,000 for the day.

  • Rhonda Porter November 22, 2010 (9:47 pm)

    thanks for all the comments…my husband took the upper WSB and is almost home! :) Hope everyone gets home or tucked in somewhere warm and safe soon.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:47 pm)

    Alison ~ She left @ 4:40 for home. Drove 1 block and sat on E.Marginal for an hour and 30 minutes. Decided to make her way back to work thinking it would clear up (“help would be on the way and it’d clear up, right?”)… NEGATIVE.

    So, she left again @ 6:00. Moved a car length in an hour. Didn’t want to waste any more gas. At this point it was only costing us money we already don’t have for her to be sitting out there in traffic. So, she went back to work.

    Then she left *again* at 7:30. Same thing. Got across the 1st train track on Holden in 45 minutes. The 2nd tracks in an hour and a half. So, she DID leave early.

    The lovely 1 lane that they it down to is just such a wonderful addition to the snow! :)

  • JK November 22, 2010 (9:50 pm)

    Thanks Cathy: after sitting on Alaska for 4 hours trying to make it to the lower bridge, I’ve directed her to your advice and she has successfully turned around back to Safeco Field and gotten on to I-5 South, all in less then 20 minutes. Now she’s going to tackle the high bridge. Elliot Bay Brewery…get our mugs ready!

  • Stacy November 22, 2010 (9:50 pm)

    It took me five and a half hours to get home.took lower bridge. What a nightmare. Prayers for everyone to get home safe.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (9:51 pm)

    @ Alison ~ I am not so much bitter as much as I am angry. I am used to living in a city where these types of situations are actually handled.

    Not just kind of… *shrugged at* by the city. Like “ah well, we just don’t have the man power, sorry for ya…”

    Thankfully all of you wonderful people and your positive comments keep my head in check.

  • Debbie November 22, 2010 (9:52 pm)

    Mom left work at 6th and University at 6:20. Still trying to make it home, over the drawbridge and through the woods. All she keeps saying is ‘This is surreal’. Be safe out there everyone!

  • Celeste November 22, 2010 (9:53 pm)

    It took me five hours to get home. I had to get off the bus at Fauntleroy and Alaska and was really slow trying to cross Alaska and a kind stranger got out of his nice SUV and at first was going to walk me the rest of the way across the street but he took pity on me and drove me the two blocks to my house.

    Thank You kind stranger

  • Francine November 22, 2010 (9:56 pm)

    My boyfriend is finally home. Drove on upper bridge. Fairly open now, but he needed momentum to get up the hill.

  • SAR November 22, 2010 (9:57 pm)

    Just got home from downtown. 5 hours. Lower bridge. This city is sad. I saw 1 cop and 1 plow that was not plowing.

  • Davd November 22, 2010 (9:59 pm)

    Been on Alaska Way since 4:15 Should have stopped at Pyramid when I had the chance. I wish the city would stop jamming the low bridge with the darn buses. Make people get out and walk over so the rest of us with AWD can get out of this crap. Have seen ONE SPD, no trucks of any kind. No one is in charge that is for sure. Another Mayor bites the dust…

  • Kate November 22, 2010 (10:00 pm)

    My husband is still stuck on the bus. It’s been 7 hours now! Driver decided to go up Admiral instead of Avalon?!? Crazy stuff out there.

  • Chris November 22, 2010 (10:01 pm)

    snow plan fail. end of story. Should not be that hard to keep a couple bridges open. 5 hours from downtown in a car, walking and on bus. Thank you bus 60 driver who got us across the first ave. bridge once the SPD gave the go signal.

    where’s the salt?

  • Ron November 22, 2010 (10:01 pm)

    1-5 South has been blocked for 4 hours. I’ve been in standing traffic in I-5 south next to Boeing field for hours. Nothing on the radio.

  • Rachel November 22, 2010 (10:02 pm)

    My hubby is driving a metro bus right now and has spent the last 5 hours coming down 1st AVE S. He said they finally reached Jack in the Box and there are multiple buses that have pulled over to let folks out for bathroom and food breaks.

  • angelescrest November 22, 2010 (10:02 pm)

    There was some questioning of it, but it was a very good call made by Seattle Public Schools today with the two-hour early release. Can you imagine the nightmare of all the school buses on the road as well?
    Thanks, WSB, for the amazing coverage.

  • lina rose November 22, 2010 (10:02 pm)

    Hope everyone is home safe and sound (or at least nearing home). I am grateful for my warm bed and a hot cup of tea, my heart is going out to everyone sleeping outside tonight, this weather is really dangerous and came on quickly-i am sure that shelters are overwhelmed and there are many sleeping on the street tonight. I was out on the roads tonight and sure, they sucked but, really, many of us could be way worse off- we at least all have homes to come home to-even if the commute there sucks.

  • m November 22, 2010 (10:05 pm)

    Delridge and Roxbury were passable for a 2 wheel drive car with no chains!

    Thanks for everyone’s comments! Got home after a 5 hr commute from U District!

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (10:05 pm)

    @ SAR ~~ Thank you for validating mostly all of my feelings on this matter. We seem to be the UNimportant part of the city. Really SAD.

    @ Debbie ~~ My wife kept saying that same word. “Surreal”. Like nuclear winter. Abandoned cars everywhere and the feel of massive chaos. IT’S A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE! AHHHHH!

  • EmmyJane November 22, 2010 (10:06 pm)

    5 hours total commute. Awesome, and a big thank you to the city of Seattle. Btw, if there is anyone out there still waiting to go across the lower bridge or the 1st ave s bridge, I’d highly recommend turning around and getting on 90 by the fields, then take I-5 south to the West Seattle Bridge. Looks like others have had luck with that too.

  • JK November 22, 2010 (10:07 pm)

    after 4+ hours waiting for the lower bridge, my wife turned around to Safeco, onto I5 South, across the upper bridge and is just pulling up…turnaround procedure was less then an hour. Thanks WSB.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (10:08 pm)

    @ Rachel re: Jack In The Box trip. The city needs to hook those riders up with some Crunchy Tacos and coffee, too.

  • Debbie November 22, 2010 (10:08 pm)

    @lina rose — I cant get that thought out of my mind — how thankful I am for a bed, a roof and heat (mine was out sat eve and sunday :( ) It could always be worse!
    @Jonathon — I do wish I had a zombie suit I could rampage in right now. That’d be quite fun.

  • EmmyJane November 22, 2010 (10:08 pm)

    One more bitter note… we came home to our fence blown down. Icing on the cake after the commute. Although I do have a new favorite bus friend. I hope I see him again.

  • soosan November 22, 2010 (10:09 pm)

    @Ant 49th is fine, so is Admiral after the lookout bend–watch the ice there. Good luck!

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (10:09 pm)

    @ EmmyJane ~~ A big thanks to the city of Seattle for…. ?

  • RuberDoo22 November 22, 2010 (10:09 pm)

    Boyfriend is headed home from SODO area right now.. here’s hoping he makes it home quickly, safe and sound.

  • sally November 22, 2010 (10:10 pm)

    My husband and I just did a round trip from White Center to Pioneer Square and back, it took us just under 1 hour! It helps to know the sneaky ways around town. 1st ave was stopped from the 1st ave S bridge all the way into town (northbound). The 1st Ave bridge was wide open (Southbound) on the way home (9:50 pm). Lots of cars, buses, trucks parked and stranded.

  • Diva November 22, 2010 (10:12 pm)

    I left Harborview Medical Center (work)at 3:30 and didn’t get home until 9:00. What an appalling, treacherous mess. Seems the city has yet to get its act together. New Mayor, same old issues.

  • SAR November 22, 2010 (10:12 pm)

    I think bus drivers are the most amazing people though all of this. I would have have lost my mind by now. I hope they get a huge bonus.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (10:13 pm)

    @ Ron.

    If there is nothing on the radio, check here.

    http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/incidents/

  • desertdweller November 22, 2010 (10:14 pm)

    Okay, the errant 21 just broke down in front of Met Market. So…not all the way to Westwood…but almost! Husband is considering walking and I’m texting everyone I know with 4wd.

  • EmmyJane November 22, 2010 (10:15 pm)

    @Jonathon. Nothing.

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (10:16 pm)

    @ SAR ~ Before I had my car and lived in the Central District, Metro was relatively reliable through the Snow of 2008. The 2 and 3 to the Seattle Center was shut down so I had a hard time getting to work, but THEY KNOW HOW TO HANDLE their business that is for sure.

  • twicksea November 22, 2010 (10:17 pm)

    Final installment of the 21 saga that my husband took from Belltown at 3pm. After an endlessly slow crawl to and across the 1st Ave S bridge, it stalled out at 10 pm on Admiral (Avalon was closed?) and that’s the end of the line. We live in Gatewood so he’ll be spending the night at a friend’s in Admiral. Hope the other riders find their way safely home. And the poor driver too.

  • CecilyN November 22, 2010 (10:17 pm)

    I wanted to thank the nice guys that towed me tonight on the lower west seattle bridge!
    After 5 hours of getting home and almost there you saved me! Thank you!
    What great people you are!

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (10:18 pm)

    @EmmyJane ~ Sorry about your fence.

  • Glenda November 22, 2010 (10:18 pm)

    Ha! Jonathan, I said the exact same thing coming over the West Seattle bridge and seeing the abandoned cars with tufts of wind blowing around them – Zombie Apocalypse!

    From trying the West Seattle Water Taxi (canceled right before my run) to 1st avenue (parking lot) and finally at 10:00 at night having luck over the West Seattle freeway, I feel bad for anyone still out there. That was not fun.

  • sara November 22, 2010 (10:19 pm)

    Walking Hubby got home 1/2 hr ago — SODO to Seaview. ‘Bout 1.5 hrs. I say that beats sitting. But he had his snowjacket and hiking boots. Huge relief to see him. Nice hot bath and dinner. Hope you all have your blankets and candles out. Big thanks to the comment section–they were the only thing that kept us updated on WS traffic. Cheers.

  • desertdweller November 22, 2010 (10:19 pm)

    @twicksea My husband must have been on the same bus.

  • Dale November 22, 2010 (10:20 pm)

    Wife is on 21, left downtown at 5pm, getting close to home now 5.5 hours later.
    Took 1st ave s bridge, up to roxbury and over.

  • hbone November 22, 2010 (10:21 pm)

    Is there a plan for sanding the roads? A touch of salt here and there? Anyone know?

  • Holly November 22, 2010 (10:23 pm)

    Thank you Sidney! My roommate got home in just over 5 HOURS. My husband walked from downtown to my work & we got food & then saw your post about Beacon Hill. It took us 35 minutes to get home!

  • Susan November 22, 2010 (10:23 pm)

    As someone who currently has a telecommute-friendly job: I felt a little wussy this morning, but now I’m SO glad I stayed home.

    As someone who used to work in retail: not everyone has the freedom to stay home on days like this. I totally agree that if you can you should; but you can’t just say “All those people on the roads are idiots.” There are many jobs where you can’t work from home — a lot of them low-paying service jobs like food service or the wonderful bus drivers we’ve been hearing about — and these jobs will often punish you for not showing up even if you have cause (like a snowpocalypse). The decision can be “Do I risk my safety and/or waste hours driving in the ice and cold, or do I use up one of my limited sick days? What if I don’t have any left — I have to choose between my safety and possibly losing my job or being disciplined.” At my retail job I was denied raises and promotions even though my work was above & beyond (I did manager-level work without extra pay or time during the busiest season of the year) because I’d called in sick x+1 days instead of my allotted x days. We should have more compassion for each other and be extra nice to the folks like the bus drivers who are getting us home or the restaurant workers who are feeding & warming these icy commuters.

    Good luck to everyone. It’s 10:23 and my husband’s still on a bus somewhere (he left at 6-something).

  • Jonathon November 22, 2010 (10:24 pm)

    @sara ~ I agree. This site destroys all others as far as updates on traffic and what is going on in real time. And, it really helped me calm myself down.

    *whew* Thanks.

  • jw November 22, 2010 (10:24 pm)

    Wife just made it home, abandoned Alaskan Way downtown and took I-5 to high bridge. It worked. Just go slow!

  • 1000amys November 22, 2010 (10:26 pm)

    The 125 bus that left downtown about 5:30 still is not home. They are finally on the First South Bridge. I’m hoping they take West Marginal to Delridge because I can’t think how they’ll get up the hill otherwise. I’m very happy to be home, fed and warm; but wish the whole family were.

  • Marty November 22, 2010 (10:27 pm)

    If coming from Georgetown / SoDo make your way to Albro, left on Swift, then bear left onto 15th. Left at light for Columbia and come down onto the high bridge to Fauntleroy from Beacon Hill. Just came from Boeing Field and my commute was only 15 min longer than normal. Though I live in the Alaska junction, so take with a grain of salt.

  • coffee November 22, 2010 (10:28 pm)

    if we had a rail system we would not have quite the issues with metro…. Growing up in South Dakota and learning how to drive in the winter, this racks right up there with one of our bad winters. If you don’t need to go out DONT. And as my best friends dad says, “you know what an SUV means, it just gets you in 50 feet deeper”. 4 X 4 does NOT mean you can go fast on ice.

  • cjboffoli November 22, 2010 (10:31 pm)

    My friend finally made it home to the West Seattle Junction, just over SEVEN hours from the time she boarded her bus downtown. I’m really glad the City pulled out all the stops with their snow plan this time. That it took more than seven hours for a Metro bus on major arterials to travel around ten miles is unbelievable. Heck of a job!

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (10:37 pm)

    If you’re reading this, you already know. Seattle is gone. The entire city has been decimated. All of it. There was a record 2 inches of snow that accumulated at a blazing speed over 18 hours. The search for survivors will begin when morale improves, but will likely be fruitless. God be with us.

  • traci November 22, 2010 (10:37 pm)

    My husband is on First Hill and he is watching cars spin out everywhere. That hill, plus our hill (Admiral) and the bridge is too much. He’s staying over there tonight! Thank you (everyone!) for helping us make an informed decision and stay on top of road conditions. Yet another reason to LOVE West Seattle.

  • AVITW November 22, 2010 (10:38 pm)

    The city demonstrates its incompetence to perform basic services again. Less that 1″ of snow has shut down the city before a holiday. Why weren’t the bridge, viaduct, & main roads deiced and SALTED before the evening commute?

    The mayor is everything that I thought he would be. Where is the Greg Nichols “Miss Me Yet?” billboard?

  • Dunk November 22, 2010 (10:40 pm)

    Took 5 hrs and 45 min to get home on the 54 Express. Bonded with other passengers and the driver. Those that walked from sodo were smart. Although we picked up two women at the top of Avalon who had been walking for 2 1/2 hours from University St. They were miserable than we!

  • Jump November 22, 2010 (10:40 pm)

    Left work in SODO w hubs at 3:30. Picked up kids at daycare on East Marginal. Crawled to lower bridge, must have JUST missed getting by the accident that closed it down. Tried to head South on 99. Not moving. Dinner at Pyramid, then back to work to let the kids watch a movie and let traffic “clear”. Ha! Now it looks like we’ve just missed getting over the lower bridge again. Trapped for all eternity in SODO? AND the worst part is, I am 36 weeks pregnant and craving a grape Fanta like nobody’s business. Waaaaaa! What a day. Thanks for posting, all, and keeping me sane. Thanks WSB!

  • LyndaB November 22, 2010 (10:40 pm)

    good warm thoughts for my fellow travelers. i, fortunately, got picked up at sears by my parents after being on the bus for a good 2hrs (beginning from UW). it certainly was slow going. my 21 bus driver was following the 21x bus driver in front of us and we snaked back and forth from the side roads to 1st ave. i am glad to hear that people got food and pee breaks. thank goodness for the drivers. i’m definitely staying home tomorrow….i think.

  • Rachel November 22, 2010 (10:41 pm)

    Just took down some food to the poor bus driver lady stuck on Avalon for the last 5+ hours waiting on a Metro mechanic to come rescue her. If you can spare some food or beverage please share with your stranded neighbors, many of them are probably without water :(

  • rock on November 22, 2010 (10:41 pm)

    I-5 S near Boeing field is a parking lot. Wife has been stuck in traffic since 3pm and was heading to WS first, then was going to drive around Tacoma to Southworth. I was there in our vacation place, then Power went off there I took a nutty ferry ride to WS and she is still stuck on I-5 S no movement hardly at all and no where to use the restroom…yikes!!!

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (10:43 pm)

      Apparently those who tried to be smart by leaving early are the ones “punished” – I just got a call from a long-ago co-worker who lives in WS, and just got home from Queen Anne via the viaduct (now open) and high bridge in almost normal time.

  • Greg November 22, 2010 (10:42 pm)

    I second the comments about the amazing job of the Metro drivers getting everyone home and not going insane as the rest of us would have being behind the wheel for so long.

    I was part of the small army walking from downtown and want to thank the couple that pulled over and offered us a ride from 35th/Avalon to Gatewood. Our new West Seattle heroes.

  • Naomi November 22, 2010 (10:43 pm)

    Does anyone have a report on the upper bridge conditions on West SEattle Bridge? Trying to determine if Fauntleroy or Delridge would be better.

  • Cait November 22, 2010 (10:43 pm)

    He’s home, he’s home!! Mr. Crutches is home!!!

  • skategrrl November 22, 2010 (10:43 pm)

    I would also like to hear a full report from SDOT and from the mayor’s office. They were pretty full steam ahead with their snow plan. I’d like to hear what went wrong from their perspective and, more importantly, what they intend to do about it! I think a big part of their plan was making everything accessible for Metro in terms of what they were going to clear, etc. I consider this an abysmal failure. And sadly, this is the FIRST or probably many storms this year. Since I don’t have a TV, will somebody please post if you hear anything concrete in terms of change of scope?

    Also, once again, West Seattle is aces!!

  • skategrrl November 22, 2010 (10:43 pm)

    OMG, YES. Thanks Cait. Welcome home, Mr. Crutches. :))

  • Rachel November 22, 2010 (10:44 pm)

    Glad Mr. Crutches made it home safe, hope many more follow sooner than later!

  • SMS November 22, 2010 (10:44 pm)

    Was on the 54 from downtown and it took me 6 hours to get home. I can’t say I’m angry about it, just completely incredulous. WHAT THE HECK?

  • 34th and Thistle November 22, 2010 (10:45 pm)

    As of an hour ago or so, there were still hotel rooms showing up in downtown for $100 plus or minus (mostly plus).

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (10:49 pm)

    I found a group of survivors outside the Jefferson Square Safeway. I approached them, but I’m glad I noticed them before they noticed me. The survivors have taken to cannibalism. Their eyes were blank and they had no emotion on their faces… save for a look of insatiable hunger. That’s the only way I can describe it. I fear they are infected.

    It’s too late for them. Do not leave your homes. Do not approach anyone you do not know. If you are attacked, for the love of all that is holy, do not let them bite you.

  • Bryan November 22, 2010 (10:51 pm)

    I got on the 21x at 3:30 at 1st & pine, walked in my house at 39th & holden at 10:15!!! Thanks to the guy with the Landcruiser that gave a ride to met market after the bus got stuck on Admiral. And thanks to my fellow bus rider and husband for the ride from met market to gatewood!!

  • rhonda November 22, 2010 (10:51 pm)

    Bus 54 is stuck at 45th SW & Wildwood SW. It’s been spinning it’s tires trying to get up the hill for the last 10 minutes.

  • wsnative November 22, 2010 (10:51 pm)

    Snow happens people – deal with it – it took me several hours to get home from downtown to the Admiral District, but eventfully I am home and you will be too. We all have warm homes and beds to return to. What about the homeless that are pitched in tents that we all have to pass as we head downtown via 1st Avenue. Wonder if they are whining the way some who have posted here are?

  • :( boo November 22, 2010 (10:52 pm)

    My partner left headed south at 4:30 from queen anne/south lake union – still not home…no taxis, no buses, no bike….

  • EmmyJane November 22, 2010 (10:54 pm)

    Skategrrl- I’d love to hear what they’re going to do too, but they made a big fuss about what they were going to do LAST TIME and they failed big time again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I WILL NOT BE FOOLED! Haha, somehow writing that in big letters made me feel good. It’s the little things at this point.

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (10:54 pm)

    @wsnative: I passed by one of those survivor encampments you spoke of. The provided me rations and a baseball bat for self-defense. They invited me in to weather the storm with them, but it is too dangerous. I hope the infected do not infiltrate them, but I fear the worst. Keep moving. Don’t ever stop moving. We must find a cure.

  • BJ November 22, 2010 (10:55 pm)

    Is the viaduct reopened? Trying to find the best route from Interbay to West Seattle.

    Good Luck everyone.

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (10:55 pm)

      Yes, according to my recent phone caller, it’s open. Updating the story.

  • EmmyJane November 22, 2010 (10:56 pm)

    Shane- been watching “The Walking Dead” on AMC? Hahaha.

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (10:56 pm)

    @Emmyjane: You have the right idea. Trust no one. The infected are adapting. They are able to hide among us. If you are with someone, check behind their ears. Discreetly, if possible. If they have protruding blue veins… run. Do not try to fight them. They feel neither pain nor fear. Only hunger.

  • Naomi November 22, 2010 (10:58 pm)

    Plea for info. Husband and I are about to get on the upper bridge. Anybody recently taken the Delridge exit off West Seattle Bridge?

  • ann November 22, 2010 (10:59 pm)

    any update on the road conditions around pigeon point (and the power outages)?

  • Maude November 22, 2010 (11:00 pm)

    Shane – I think I’ve seen that group of survivors. I walked across the lower bridge with them from SODO. They’re just frozen. Explains the blank stare.

  • Rachel November 22, 2010 (11:01 pm)

    Shane is right, we have been L4D ;)

  • Chris November 22, 2010 (11:02 pm)

    This just in. The snow plan was written by monkeys. Apparently banannas were spread around instead of salt. Smoothies on tap for tomorrow.

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (11:03 pm)

    Initial reports indicate the tunnel has been cleared. There was a disturbance where several of what are now being referred to as “the infected” made a human (if they can still be called human) barricade. A bus jackknifed and hit many of them. Eyewitnesses say that the infected stood right back up after being hit by the bus, and that’s when they attacked. When the bus was found, it was empty, save a single man hiding in the back. He says he was left to warn the others, and the infected disappeared somewhere around 1st and Vine.

  • wsinadmiral November 22, 2010 (11:03 pm)

    Got our Chinese visitor on the Light rail to the airport! Walked to bus (later see bus jackknifed on Admiral), good samaritan picked us up and took us part way, walked down Admiral to stuck car, pushed and pushed. Light rail running smooth. I-5 stopped in all directions. 2 hrs RT with chains this time! She’s from the South of China and has never been so cold! Thanks for all the tips.

  • transplantella November 22, 2010 (11:05 pm)

    Teaser headline from channel 7 11:00 news just now: They just had word from Metro that over 200 buses were stuck on the roads today.

    Husband just now left work downtown. :-( I don’t know if he’ll get home at all. Metro not answering phones this late so he called SPD and they told him as far as they knew buses were running.

    thanks…..for that….

  • k November 22, 2010 (11:06 pm)

    left Madison & Western downtown at 4:35. just walked in the door at 11:02. BRUTAL. kudos to the folks who WALKED home to West Seattle tonight. i’m amazed.

  • meanntyme November 22, 2010 (11:07 pm)

    our 116 express commute took us 5 hours to get from 3rd ave to morgan junction. It has been crazy.

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (11:07 pm)

    SPD is answering limited calls tonight. Police in riot gear have been spotted and the West Marginal / Delridge interchange the lower WS bridge. SPD has declined to comment on any situation involving “the infected,” but sightings and reports continue to pour in.

  • Glenda November 22, 2010 (11:07 pm)

    WSnative – yes, I get it, in the grand scheme of things we are all lucky in general. But I do think a tiny accumulation of snow automatically equaling 5+ hour commutes home for the majority of Westsiders without a very good contingency plan for what happens when both major bridges are impassable and the Water Taxi is no longer working is actually worth a bit of a whine. It is truly a safety issue for emergency response and traffic – it is not just an inconvenience issue.

  • Mike November 22, 2010 (11:08 pm)

    “Mayor Mike McGinn said Tuesday that the city is ready, should we get a significant snow storm this winter.

    The city has more plows and salt mixtures to treat the streets, but McGinn’s plan is for everyone to use transit during a snow storm since only major streets and bus routes will be plowed.”
    .
    http://www.mynorthwest.com/category/local_news_articles/20101109/Seattle,-King-Country-ready-winter-transit-plans/
    .
    FAIL! FAIL FAIL FAIL
    .
    I guess Admiral Way, West Seattle Bridge, 1st Ave, 4th Ave, 99 are not bus routes?
    .
    Epic FAIL

  • Creighton November 22, 2010 (11:08 pm)

    Left office downtown at 4pm. Waited for Water Taxi for 40 minutes. Taxi staff said to go to pier 55. Pier 55 said no taxi. Hiked up to 3rd Ave, got the 56X at 5pm. Got to Junction at 10:30pm. 5.5 hour commute home. Metro’s guidance to off route drivers was nonexistent, passengers were directing the buses. Glad to be home.

  • LeslieH November 22, 2010 (11:08 pm)

    A flash of light and power just went out on Fairmount and Belvidere Ave in the Fairmount Canyon above Salty’s on Harbor. Anyone know if Seattle City Light is getting to these outages?

  • smithers November 22, 2010 (11:09 pm)

    It doesn’t seem like this is entirely the city’s fault. Many drivers lost their minds and couldn’t figure out how to drive in a little bit of snow. Be responsible, be self reliant and look after your neighbors.. then I bet you’ll be a lot better off.

  • Heather November 22, 2010 (11:10 pm)

    Just saw this from KING5 on Twitter:

    “Stuck in car? DO NOT set out on foot! Use paper/pen/condensation to post message to neighbor cars if need ER help.”

    It’s over people. We’ve lost.

  • Rachel November 22, 2010 (11:10 pm)

    I have seen 4 buses head up Avalon towards the junction in the last 20 minutes, they are finally coming home people!

  • luckydog November 22, 2010 (11:11 pm)

    Anyone notice any WS neighborhoods in blackout (no streetlights) in the Admiral area?

    Looks like there are a few small power outages here in WS if the Seattle City Light website is accurate: http://www.seattle.gov/light/sysstat/

    We have a tall tree with a branch that is rubbing against the power line to our house and causing our lights to flicker now and then. A bit worried…

    Best wishes for everyone to stay safe and warm!

  • metrognome November 22, 2010 (11:13 pm)

    those of you who are blaming the gubmint need to find another dead horse to beat. First, the storm was not predicted; Cliff Mass has fessed up that their prediction models failed. Second, this is not a city with a grid street system that allows you to drive a few blocks for an alternate route — we have hills and valleys and waterways to contend with as well as an ocean to the west, mountains on both sides and an icebox to the north. There is basically ONE way into WS from downtown; all it takes is a few cars out of control to plug that road and the hilly roads into our neighborhoods. And since it is elevated, the roadway freezes over as does the other elevated structure, the Viaduct.
    Lastly, you expect the gubmint to be prepared, but it sounds as if many of you weren’t prepared either … kudos to those who pitched in to help; that’s what community is all about.
    Zombies are in search of brains, so I am safe …

  • wsinadmiral November 22, 2010 (11:14 pm)

    4wdrescue thank you so much for the offer. The worst in Seattle weather sure brings out the best in Seattle (especially WEST SEATTLE) people!

  • Robert November 22, 2010 (11:15 pm)

    @Naomi,

    I took the Delridge exit off West Seattle Bridge and was able to get through. Didnt need 4WD or anything.Not sure if you still need the info.

    Big thanks to the WSB community. I was stuck on Alaskan Way for 4 hours but followed the advice of one of the posters and doubled back to I 5. Took another hour but eventually got home.

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (11:16 pm)

    Reports are continuing to come in. Although the mayor’s office and the SPD refuse to comment, it has been reported the majority of the businesses in Alaska Junction have been set ablaze by a more aggressive group of the infected. Dr. Ronaldo Bader Zimmerman has stated that a mutated strain of the virus may make the infected more aggressive and more intelligent. He asks anyone who has been exposed to the infected, and has not displayed symptoms for at least 3 hours, to come forward so he can synthesize a possible cure. He has created a reinforced position in the Wells Fargo at 44th and Alaska.

  • Alki Resident November 22, 2010 (11:17 pm)

    Shane you crack me up.
    Mr.Crutches-Welcome Home EVERYONE has been expecting you,Literally

  • Ron November 22, 2010 (11:19 pm)

    6 hours in standing traffic along Boeing field on I-5 and still haven’t reached an exit. How can the I-5 South be closed for 6 hours?

  • Heather November 22, 2010 (11:22 pm)

    Don’t forget! When you get to Wells Fargo, let him know who you are by squeaking your message across your fogged up window.

    Watch for rioting.

  • MindDrive November 22, 2010 (11:22 pm)

    OMG! Seriously? 5½ hour bus ride for me and 7 hours for my spouse from downtown to West Seattle. This is not a new snowplan, it is a grievous farce that will drive businesses out of this city. We are the laughingstock of the country being shut down by 2-3 inches of snow. As my bus driver pointed out, if we ever had to evacuate Seattle, we’re screwed. Who has to be fired to fix this abortion!?

  • Marty November 22, 2010 (11:23 pm)

    Luckily the cold does seem to slow them down. Use this to your advantage. I encountered a group of slow moving “infected”. I was able to pass them easily in my car on my way to Prost at 15 mph. They haven’t made it here…yet.

  • skategrrl November 22, 2010 (11:24 pm)

    @EmmyJane, lol. I HEAR YA!!!!

    We will see! Seriously hoping they have SOMETHING. There are some people who simply have to commute. The city HAS failed. I just don’t get it…

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (11:25 pm)

      Re: the outages, which we have reported in the main story (we WILL start a new one at midnight, because it won’t be Monday any more!), they are all marked “time of restoration: pending,” which means Seattle City Light doesn’t know … The biggest one is near Hiawatha, about 200 homes/businesses. Hope everyone is finding a way to stay warm.

  • Sue November 22, 2010 (11:26 pm)

    It took SEVEN hours for me to get from 3rd & Seneca to Fauntleroy & Dawson via the 54X. We couldn’t take the low level bridge due to a jack-knifed truck and/or bus and they sent us south to the 1st Ave. S. Bridge to W. Marginal Way. The traffic was maddening due to multiple semis blocking all but one lane of the 1st Ave. S. Bridge. We detoured off 1st at Lucille to get to 4th so that people could stop at McDonalds for food and the bathroom. Just crazy. The driver should have turned around hours earlier when everyone kept telling her that WSB reports were saying that other routes were open, but she kept citing rules. Honey, when the bus managers don’t return your calls for help for hours, you’re on your own, and screw the rules.
    .
    Our “new and improved” snow plan is an absolute joke. They swore this wouldn’t happen again (we’ll salt! de-ice! plow! we promise!) and it was worse than ever. To put this in perspective, I was in Manhattan on 9/11 and it took me less time to get home with the whole damned city shut down. If this is how Seattle deals with a minor snow storm time and time again, I am seriously thinking of moving away.

  • Davd November 22, 2010 (11:26 pm)

    Almost at the turn off of Alaska Way to the low bridge. I’m going on seven and a half hours. Spoke to a guy walking who said bridge is open but semis are not chaining up and getting stuck. THANKS GUYS!!!

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (11:27 pm)

    I received word from an SPD source (who wishes to remain anonymous) about the current situation across Seattle. He claims that snowplows have been diverted to Magnolia to dump their payloads of salt around what they believe to be Patient Zero. The infected seem to react to the brine salt and they are focusing their entire efforts on the spread of the infection. He also says it is a touchy affair because no one wants to admit the infection exists, and City Hall is willing to look inept at snow-control in order to stop the spread of infection. No comment from Dr. Zimmerman as of yet regarding the efficacy of salt against the infected, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to carry some around just in case.

  • Ken November 22, 2010 (11:29 pm)

    If salt is what it takes to stop them, then I’ll have a margarita and nachos.

    Just doin’ my part.

  • Marty November 22, 2010 (11:31 pm)

    Just heard at Prost that there is a police presence at PCC. Apparently the “infected” have a taste for granola. Use this to your advantage when getting home.

  • Maurie Kirschner November 22, 2010 (11:32 pm)

    My husband left work (a couple miles south of Boeing field) at 5:30. He got to downtown around 9. Got a bus to under the bridges around 10ish and is now on the last leg with another Alki resident. They are walking from under the bridges and along Alki Drive. Most tormenting part of this for him was how many Link trains went by while he was stranded and no way to get to a station even though the track goes right behind the building he works in. Sigh. Best part were really great bus drivers along the way! He said he feels like he’s Pa Ingalls from The Long Winter when he walked home in a blizzard. The wind and driving snow/ice is nasty out here on Alki.

  • metrognome November 22, 2010 (11:37 pm)

    the most practical solution to the problems created by the storm is to do a ‘Denny Regrade’ on the entire area — bulldoze all the hills into the ravines and into the Sound, the lakes and the creeks and rivers. Pave it all over and add 187 roads into West Seattle. With the hills all gone and no need for bridges, there will be no cars spinning out of control, but if they do, they won’t stop until they hit the Pacific Ocean or Kansas. Plus the bicyclists will have an entirely flat commute and we won’t need a ferry system anymore!! But then don’t complain because you lost your view …
    Never send a chipmunk to do a squirrel’s job.

  • luckydog November 22, 2010 (11:37 pm)

    Thank you WSB for covering this story since very early this morning (around 7am?) and still planning on an update at midnight!

    Hope someone is keeping you supplied with donuts and hot chocolate or whatever!

  • Rachel November 22, 2010 (11:37 pm)

    Been sitting at my windows for hours looking out towards the bridge, spokane, avalon, and 35th, NEVER saw a single snow plow… Anyone else spot one of these rare and elusive beasts?

  • Alki Resident November 22, 2010 (11:38 pm)

    Anyone wanna go for a road trip?I’ll drive.

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (11:39 pm)

    INFECTION UPDATE: The efforts in Magnolia have reportedly failed. The salt containment field placed around the supposed Patient Zero missed their mark. Rather, the trucks dumped their payloads around a rather surprised Boeing Federal Credit Union employee named Stephen Wilcox. “I’m not really sure what happened,” Stephen said. “I was just waking home in the snow, next thing I know I’m covered in Salt Brine. Now I’m wet and salty, and they didn’t even offer me a ride.” No word yet as to whether or not the salt would have helped, as Dr. Zimmerman was forced to relocate from the Wells Fargo, as the Alaska Junction fires have spread, nearly ready to engulf the Wells Fargo. Please keep posting your updates, so residents know what areas are safe.

  • Alkidoc November 22, 2010 (11:40 pm)

    Power is out tonight in the Fairmount Canyon near Salty’s – gotta love wood burning stoves for heat. I’m really hoping my honda makes it over the WSB tomorrow! Or will it be so miserable that I call off my day of patients…

  • Paul November 22, 2010 (11:40 pm)

    My friend took a yellow cab from Sodo to Admiral and it cost him $8,532.37 without the tip.

    DOT says they are doing a great job and they are out of funds for next storm

  • goodgraces November 22, 2010 (11:42 pm)

    Between the real-life stories of heroism (and gritty athleticism) that are pouring in and Shane et al’s tales of the fantastico, I could seriously read these Comments all night long. Not to mention the salient political observations and worries. Seriously, I think the last time I was this glued to my screen was during the elections in 2008.

    WSB is a rare jewel. And WS is utterly fabulous. I think we should secede from Seattle, tho. ;-)

  • Lori clark November 22, 2010 (11:43 pm)

    I have lived here my entire life..worked downtown for 30 years and have never had this horrible of a commute. I left work on First Hill at 4:30 PM, caught a bus at 5 and sat on First Ave until 7 PM. I walked home from Safeco…over the low bridge…up Admiral Way, down to 48th and Stevens…no trucks, plows, salt or sand trucks in site. To top it off, the bus drivers did not inform us that they were instructed to divert down First Ave and to not go over the bridge…if they had told us that, we would have gotten off the bus earlier. Arrived home at 9 PM to power outage! This is a disgrace…someone needs to be accountable for this! Who? Bring back Greg Nichols!!!

    • WSB November 22, 2010 (11:45 pm)

      Just got a call from Brian, who is trying to get to the UW – he reaffirms what you might have seen somewhere else – I-5 is a parking lot. Dead stop. He suggests you can get around it, if going downtown or northward, by going to Beacon Hill – but don’t try the Columbian Way etc. immediate turn – head all the way south on Beacon Hill till you can double back on the ridge to get toward downtown.

  • Helen November 22, 2010 (11:45 pm)

    I’d like to give a great big thank-you to the good samaritans who are driving up and down Admiral hill giving people rides and tows. To the guy who towed the yellow honda up the hill about 11:00 pm, I wish I’d gotten your name, you built up a lot of good karma tonight. (He’s been out there since 6:30 pm.)

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (11:48 pm)

    @Goodgraces: Since the failed attempt to locate and isolate Patient Zero, City Hall has plans to demolish the West Seattle Bridge, effectively cutting off any entrances or exits from the rest of Seattle. My inside source says that they have given up on the rest of Seattle, calling it “a hopeless pit of despair.” He continued and said, “City hall is focusing on protecting those with the best chances to survive. West Seattle is top priority due to geographical reasons and the ease of cutting off an infected attack.” He also stated that Capitol Hill may boast a high survival rate, as the infected seem completely uninterested in the high population of Hipsters. I have contacted Dr. Zimmerman on this matter, and he says that there is a possibility the infected have an aversion to “bad taste in clothing and music.”

  • Maurie Kirschner November 22, 2010 (11:51 pm)

    He’s home! Thanks to the man who gave them a ride home from Seacrest!!!

  • Alki Resident November 22, 2010 (11:52 pm)

    I agree with you goodgraces,I think this blog should be published for future laughs.Im usually in bed by now but Shane is still awake cracking me up.My kids arent sure why I keep staring at the screen and laughing.”moms nuts”look.

  • goodgraces November 22, 2010 (11:52 pm)

    @shane: Thx for the update . . . why go to the trouble of “demolish[ing] the West Seattle Bridge,” though? Just jackknife a few dozen large vehicles in strategic entrance/exit points (a la tonight’s mayhem), and you’ve effectively isolated WS. Just sayin’.

  • Alki Resident November 22, 2010 (11:53 pm)

    I think we should all be salting the mayor by now since he’s “the slug”.

  • Marty November 22, 2010 (11:54 pm)

    Prost seems to be a holdout. For those between the Alaska and Admiral Junctions. Posting this on my 2nd beer as we barricade the doors. We see occasional groups of “infected” wandering up and down the street with impunity.

    We’re hunkering down in here. Thankfully they haven’t took much notice of us through the fogged front windows. Will post updates as the situation changes.

  • Shane November 22, 2010 (11:58 pm)

    @goodgraces: My source tells me the idea is create an actual barrier that will be more difficult to navigate. The infected have an insatiable hunger, but when confronted with the prospect of climbing the burning the rubble of the West Seattle Bridge, versus turning around and feasting on the residents of Sodo, they will more than likely choose the latter. “We have seen a pattern where the infected will take the path of least resistance in order to feast,” said the anonymous source. Still waiting on more as to when the demolition may take place. There is still a chance City Hall may have to call a meeting to appropriate funds from next year’s winter weather budget in order to afford the explosives. Asked as to why the funds from this year’s budget could not be leveraged, my source says, “Most of this year’s winter weather budget was spent on ritz crackers and cream cheese for the annual Halloween Ball.”

  • peopledust November 22, 2010 (11:59 pm)

    THANK YOU bus drivers! You rock. :)

  • Mary November 23, 2010 (12:00 am)

    It looks like UW Seattle will be closed Tuesday, something that practically never happens. From the UW website:

    UW Alert Site
    UW Alerts for weather and similar campus disruptions will be announced on the Web and posted here.

    UW Seattle, UW Tacoma suspend operations; UW Bothell starts at 10 a.m. Tuesday
    Posted at 11:32 pm on Monday, November 22, 2010
    Last Updated at 11:32 pm on Monday, November 22, 2010
    UW Seattle campus has suspended operations for Tuesday. UW Tacoma also has suspended operations. UW Bothell plans to open at 10 a.m.

  • Steve November 23, 2010 (12:00 am)

    Just got home 15 minutes ago to hugs from my 8 and 10 year old! Only 7 1/2 hours to go 7 miles.

    Left work at 4PM in downtown Seattle, turned on to 99 southbound – “Battery Street tunnel closed.” OK, head to Elliot and get on the other side of the tunnel – “Viaduct closed”. OK, take Alaskan Way to the low bridge – “Bus blocking low bridge.”
    OK, Safeway for dinner and sit in my office a few more hours.

    Slogged down Alaskan Way and 1st Ave from 9 – 10:30PM, still no movement toward the low bridge. Took 1st Avenue bridge to W Marginal Way, then around Alki to Admiral – no sweat and hardly any traffic from the time I got to the 1st Ave bridge.

    Good training for when the viaduct finally comes down, I guess. At least I’m not stuck on a bus on I-5.

  • Shane November 23, 2010 (12:01 am)

    @marty: Wish I could join you, however I’ve met up with Dr. Zimmerman in order to synthesize a cure. We have found a survivor who claims to have bitten over 5 hours ago, and she has yet to display symptoms. It may not work as a cure at all, but there is a good possibility we can synthesize some sort of prophylaxis. More to follow.

  • cjboffoli November 23, 2010 (12:02 am)

    With a tip of the hat to the apologists here, I’ve lived in places like Boston and New Hampshire that have lots of hills, mountains, proximity to oceans, bridges and waterways that pose challenges for transportation and yet I’ve never seen any of these places fail to meet the challenge of dealing with snow events. Granted they have more equipment and more frequent snow and ice. But never have I heard of seven hour bus rides. And I paid less tax in New Hampshire than I pay here. Seattle needs to do more to ensure that major arteries are passable for public transportation during storms like this. The assertion that this kind of weather presents insurmountable challenges for snow removal is laughable.

  • Shane November 23, 2010 (12:04 am)

    INFECTION UPDATE: Stories of heroism continue to pour in. A special thanks to all the bus drivers that continue to run down infected in their mammoth battering rams. Many have been reported to have decorated their buses in war paint as a warning to the infected, and a beacon of safety for survivors. Also all those who have been towing and transporting survivors up the icy hills of West Seattle, showing no fear of the infected, we salute you. The only way we can survive is if we work together.

  • WSB November 23, 2010 (12:06 am)

    New story launched here:
    https://westseattleblog.com/2010/11/west-seattle-snow-1st-tuesday-report-early-morning
    .
    This one’s for overnight; then we’ll have an AM commute version starting around 6 am. – TR

  • Shane November 23, 2010 (12:08 am)

    As posted by WSB, all infection updates will be posted for you convenience at the updated location:

    https://westseattleblog.com/2010/11/west-seattle-snow-1st-tuesday-report-early-morning

  • LE November 23, 2010 (12:09 am)

    @Shane – thanks for the updates. It’s important that someone dares to tell what’s really going on.

    @cjboffoli – Snow removal? The problem wasn’t snow removal, it was hills covered with ice.

  • Naomi November 23, 2010 (12:11 am)

    In case anyone hasn’t left downtown Seattle and still needs traffic updates – just got home 30 minutes ago from downtown. Left downtown around 10:30PM. Went I-5 which was very backed up but moving. Took the upper bridge which was icy but devoid of much traffic. Very windy. Went all the way up to Fauntleroy and up to the top of 35th. Front wheel drive with just all weather tires. It was nervewracking but OK. Just make sure you don’t stop on a hill. Keep that momentum going.

  • Steve November 23, 2010 (12:14 am)

    Anybody know why a bus would try to go down the hill on Oregon just west of California? I noticed it looking all forlorn and cold on the way home.

    Did the driver REALLY try to go down that hill in this weather on purpose? Or did they lose control trying to turn from Oregon onto 44th?

  • Marty November 23, 2010 (12:14 am)

    In a true feat of bravery, a civilian slipped on the ice right on California in front of us. As a group of “infected” took notice and started to converge, a couple of patrons took it upon themselves to leave their beers, jump the barricade and help the poor man and his friends to safety.

    The infected horde was the pushed back with a liberal spraying of jäger, which they seem to like even less than a post-grad performing the “walk of shame”.

    West Seattle is showing it’s true colors tonight!

  • wsnative November 23, 2010 (12:14 am)

    Seriously people – put on your big boy/girl pants and quit whining – this time of year (especially) we should all be THANKFUL for a the fact that there is a roof over our head, food in our kitchens, a clean bed to sleep in, warm water to bath in – big whoop it took some of us several hours to get home – at least we have homes to go to – also just as an FYI no city is 100% prepared for weather such as we have had recently – it sometimes just takes longer to get home because of the weather – not the mayor, not the city council – THE WEATHER!!!!!!!

  • PJD November 23, 2010 (12:15 am)

    Ran back to WS from downtown. thanks to the good samaritan in the 4runner who picked me upon Delridge, who had apparently been running shuttles all night just because. kinda restores the faith, right?

  • k November 23, 2010 (12:17 am)

    dear wsnative,

    you OBVIOUSLY were at home this evening and not in your car for 7 hours. how nice and cozy for you.

  • Meg November 23, 2010 (12:19 am)

    My hubby finally got home 2 hours ago, after being on the bus for nearly 6.5 hours. His 56 bus driver got cold feet once they reached the 1st ave south bridge and couldn’t decide what to do – whether to go over the bridge or not – since Metro dispatcher was saying “don’t take the bridge”. Amazing surreal stuff! It had been nearly 6 hours since they got on the bus downtown and, when they finally get to the bridge, they ALMOST turned around. Holy cow. But, thankfully the passengers were shouting, Go forward, go forward, do it, cross the bridge, take west marginal way, do it! Finally the driver went against Metro dispatch warning, took the shouting passengers’ advice, and went over the 1st bridge to w. marginal. Within 1/2 hour, that same bus reached Chelan cafe, where my hubby and others got off the bus, and walked the rest of the way home, over to Admiral Way, and up the hill, across and down the other side to our Schmitz Park neighborhood. In this howling storm. And I’m so glad he’s home!

    Based on what he observed, Metro dispatch had little to no advice for their driver(s)…except to “take the lower bridge” (which kept on being blocked).

  • Shane November 23, 2010 (12:20 am)

    INFECTION UPDATE: Please continue all conversations at the new thread for this discussion at:
    https://westseattleblog.com/2010/11/west-seattle-snow-1st-tuesday-report-early-morning

    You don’t want to miss out on the relevant infection information.

  • Jessica November 23, 2010 (12:20 am)

    7 and half hours to get from SLU to Thistle and 35th. It was a nightmare every way I went. First tunnel closed, the bridge closed, then low bridge blocked, the the parking lot on 1st Ave and the 1st Ave bridge closing. 7 hours to travel all of about 8 miles. Wow!

  • skategrrl November 23, 2010 (12:22 am)

    Am I the only one sick of the zombie stuff? It’s a lot of posts is all.

    Glad to hear people are making it back safely. :)

    • WSB November 23, 2010 (12:35 am)

      For the overnight hours, the humorous sideline is OK, but once we’re into pure-info mode in the morning, we need to keep it on track, because that’s what people are depending on this site for, and it’s already clunky enough to wade through our very low-tech comment system. Thanks. – TR

  • Shane November 23, 2010 (12:23 am)

    @skategrrl. Yes. You are.

    • WSB November 23, 2010 (12:36 am)

      Shane – No, she’s not, and I won’t tolerate any rudeness over this. Thanks.

  • Ian Page-Echols November 23, 2010 (12:25 am)

    Just wanted to post a photo I shot around 9pm at the lower bridge: http://www.flickr.com/photos/v8media/5200202623. I shot some video as well that I’ll post whenever that finishes uploading.

    For anyone who felt sorry for the people walking instead of taking the bus: I felt sorry for all the people stuck in buses and cars while I had the ability to jump off the bus and walk. It’s an hour long walk for me from 1st and Seneca to N. Delridge, and that’s highly preferred to sitting on a bus for four or more hours. As it was, I wasted too much time sitting on the bus thinking that the traffic would have to clear up soon. Plus, all of us walkers freed up some much needed seats.

    It was pretty cool seeing that many people walking that far in this city, and everyone that I saw in the walk posse seemed to be in pretty good spirits.

    Ian

  • Kerry November 23, 2010 (12:29 am)

    Big plow and sand on 35th! Woohoo!

  • wsnative November 23, 2010 (12:30 am)

    To ‘K’ – I was not home cozy and warm as you
    have incorrectly implied. It took me (as well as obviously others) several hours to get home and my car remains in downtown Seattle. I am merely trying to point out that complaining about things we have no control over (like the weather and it impacts us personally) seems rather ridiculous and selfish when there are others who have no warm place to sleep tonite!

  • Chad November 23, 2010 (12:31 am)

    I arrived home 20 minutes ago (at midnight) after a 5 hour odessey on the 54/125/120. All the buses were stuck in the same traffic on 1st Av and Hanford St, so it was easy to move between them. Many people on the 120 had been standing in aisles for hours. I think a little something went wrong with the deicing plan…

  • Jean November 23, 2010 (12:32 am)

    What fun spending 7 hours getting from West Seattle to 35th & Roxbury on the #54 bus tonight! (Left 3rd & Columbia at 4:50, got home at 11:45 p.m.) First Avenue was a parking lot from downtown all the way to West Marginal Way. The good news was that people were nice, nobody lost it (amazingly), and the bus driver stopped to let everyone use the bathroom after 5 hours!

  • cjboffoli November 23, 2010 (12:36 am)

    Ian: Nicely shot!
    .
    And while we were all focused on the weather tonight, North Korea decided to start shelling South Korea:
    .
    http://nyti.ms/gmYDGz
    .
    I guess it supports wsnative’s logic that no problems are worth fixing since we’ve got a roof over our heads and someone, somewhere is worse off than we are ;-)

  • wsnative November 23, 2010 (12:54 am)

    Just saying I feel there are things more socially responsible, relevant and important than whining about how long it took us to get home tonite.

  • YK November 23, 2010 (1:06 am)

    My brother took the bus from seattle downtown coming home in federalway around 4:30 p.m. He hasn’t come home yet!!! Does anyone have info on this????

  • Kendra November 23, 2010 (3:43 am)

    My husband decided to leave Seattle at 3:30 to run an errand. Bad move, he got trapped on 99Northbound, finally got dumped onto 1st Ave S, bagged that for E Marginal Way S, then the back way to Roxbury. Total travel time 9 hrs and a frantic wife at home. Unless you are trying to get to a hospital, STAY OFF THE ROAD

  • Sue November 23, 2010 (7:14 am)

    Meg, my Metro driver kept calling Metro for advice and was ignored for hours. The one time she did get through, we heard them tell her she was “on her own.” She was relying on those with internet service to tell her what conditions were as we continued to travel into the unknown. Disgraceful.

  • Jonathon November 23, 2010 (9:15 am)

    WELL LOOK @ WSNATIVE GO ON HIS SUPER HIGH HORSE!!

    Sounds like someone works for the Mayor. Oh and by the way, the MAYOR said he was picked up by his DRIVER and made it to Ballard in no time last night. Then “hopped in his minivan” and got to work “even thought it was slow going” this morning. (YEAH, RIGHT, A MINI VAN).

    And, I didn’t mean to start the zombie thing. I was trying to keep things light-hearted around here.

  • Jesse W November 23, 2010 (2:08 pm)

    Live video stream driving around WS right now:
    http://veetle.com/index.php/channel/view#4c8ba3e3909b0

  • cj November 23, 2010 (2:15 pm)

    I seem to recall the problem last time was some experimental stuff to thaw the roads instead of the normal stuff. Partially melted the stuff then it just turned into brown slush that wouldn’t go away lol.

    Husband is being sent home early and he works in WS too. Big freeze tonight so brace your selves.

Sorry, comment time is over.