(SCROLL DOWN for newest updates – we’re out checking on trouble spots too)
(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:33 AM: Rain is the big challenge this morning – and deep water is causing trouble on at least two ramps, according to Twitter reports – Delridge to the bridge, and bridge to 99. Lots of water on the roads everywhere we’ve driven. We’re monitoring trouble spots as always.
6:54 AM: A commenter says the ramp from the bridge to I-5 is developing deep-water trouble too. And even if you’re just walking outside your home, beware – our crew just back from an early-morning fire scene found a parking strip with ankle-deep, shoe-filling water. An urban/small-stream flood advisory is in effect all day – into the evening commute – for the entire county, with the possibility of up to 2 inches of rain.
7:33 AM: More reports in comments about water woes around the peninsula – including Fauntleroy and Raymond, a perennial trouble spot, and 35th/Avalon. Our friends at KING 5, who have had crews roving, mentioned a 35th/Barton puddle too.
7:55 AM: From onboard a bus:
The #RapidRide I’m on is leaking from the roof.. @westseattleblog@kcmetrobus
— laurenlovesbecca (@_laurez_) November 19, 2012
8:24 AM: Out roving now. Delridge has many spots with serious puddling, including at Myrtle and just south of Webster. Mary just sent us a photo of someone working to clear out the ramp “lake” by the bridge:
8:39 AM: Another sign of a serious storm: The combined-sewer overflow at Barton (north of the Fauntleroy ferry) is discharging. You can check the CSO status in ‘real time’ on this county webpage. Around the area, efforts continue to reduce the need for those overflows by catching stormwater in other ways. We were reminded of that while just passing the stretch of 26th SW in North Delridge that is getting bioswales – not ready in time for this storm, but some of the holes are dug.
(Minutes later …) We’re checking Longfellow Creek by the Allstar Fitness lot, where water is spouting up from one manhole on the south side.
9:18 AM: Along Alki, some curbside overflow, and downtown is hard to see from Seacrest:
Along Alki and along Delridge (where the next photo was taken), we’re continuing to see people braving the rain to clear the storm drains and reduce puddling:
Seattle Public Utilities is responsible for the storm drains but can’t do it all, so citizen help is appreciated if you can do it safely. If not, or if you see a big road problem that only the city could address, here’s the number to call: (206) 386-1800.
10:46 AM: Beach Drive has a huge “pond” in the 4800 block, alongside the historic Satterlee House’s big front lawn, and a few blocks south, Lisa Dawson tweeted this mini-geyser photo from the 5400 block:
Keep us posted on what you’re seeking – we’ll be watching it all day long, and today we will likely open a separate story for the PM commute around mid-afternoon, rather than keeping this one running.
10:58 AM UPDATE: There’s now a power outage reported in the heart of the White Center business district – 65 “customers” (one customer = one business or home) affected so far. Meander’s sent word they’re affected; we’ll be checking on the range. (Added) Here’s how it’s shown on the City Light map:
11:53 AM UPDATE: Brian sends word that if you’re going to Westwood Village, “Bring your life raft… or at the very least rubber rain boots. The parking lot isn’t draining in Westwood”:
He took that photo in the lot by Starbucks and Big 5. Meantime, after a few other quick news updates, we’ll be launching afternoon coverage shortly.
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