(January 18, 2012, photo shared by Suzanne, from SW Barton in Fauntleroy)
11:55 PM: It’s been almost two full years since the last somewhat-major snowfall in this area – mid-January 2012. Since the forecasters are pretty much unanimous in thinking we’ll see a few inches Friday morning, we’re presenting some links you might want to check in advance:

*SDOT winter-weather-response map – see what routes near you will be plowed (same map, during storm conditions, will show what’s been plowed/salted and when, among other things)

*Metro snow/ice route lookup – see where buses will run if they change to the snow/ice plan

*Outside the city? (White Center, part of South Park) The county road plan is here

*Flying out or picking someone up on Friday? Here’s where to check Sea-Tac Airport status; here are general airport winter-weather logistics

As always, if you will find real-time, 24/7 coverage here, and your help is always appreciated in terms of snow reports/photos from your neighborhood/workplace/travel routes/etc. – but there’s no downside to preparation, and that’s the spirit in which we share those links. Anything else you want to know in advance?

3:26 AM: Don’t get too excited/worried yet. In the 3 am forecast discussion, the National Weather Service is already backpedaling a bit.