West Seattle Blog…

West Seattle Weather Watch: Might be an icy morning

10:10 PM: The National Weather Service has just issued a “special weather statement” to underscore its concern about subfreezing temperatures overnight and potentially icy roads tomorrow morning. See the alert here. SDOT says its night crews will be out to treat roads/bridges “as needed.”

4:34 AM: Iced-over windows on street-parked cars … looks like a scraper morning. Latest official temp reading from Sea-Tac – 30.

West Seattle Weather Watch: Ice from the sky; celestial show

(ADDED SUNDAY: Another photo of the sky show; scroll down!)

3:06 PM: No snow so far, and the wind advisory has been called off, but a bit of wild weather just moved through – an ice-pellet shower, which we caught on video in case the experts want to offer the proper ID (we still haven’t sorted out hail vs. sleet vs. graupel, etc.). According to the newest forecast, there’s still a chance of snow showers between now and Monday.

6:24 PM NOTE: The sky show mentioned in our morning preview – the moon and Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter – is clearly visible right now in the twilight sky – look west, and up. (Here’s info from Space.com.)

6:43 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Melissa for the photo. Jupiter is in the far upper left; Venus is below the moon.

SUNDAY MORNING ADDITION: Thanks to David Hutchinson for the view from Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza!

West Seattle Weather Watch: Snow? First – a wind advisory

1:28 PM: We’ve been watching the forecast since mentioning way back on Monday that weather experts foresaw a chance of snow this weekend. Now that the weekend’s almost here, the National Weather Service is still saying there’s a chance – more likely to see some flakes mixed in with showers, but could be a bit more. The city says it’s ready “just in case,” including preparing for the possibility of icy roads Sunday night/Monday morning. We’ll be updating all weekend long, of course, as things happen (or don’t)…

5:20 PM UPDATE: Wait – before we get to possible snow, there’s a wind advisory in effect for most of Saturday, starting at midnight tonight.

West Seattle Weather Watch: Windy, with a rescue callout

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
Gusty winds are in the forecast, and they’ve led to some high surf, as you can see at Beach Drive Blog. Meantime, there’s a rescue callout along Beach Drive right now – WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli is there and says that somebody reported a sailboarder possibly in trouble, though they’re believed to be OK.

West Seattle Weather Watch: Maybe, possibly, weekend snow

This might be completely ruled out by the time we get to midweek – or not – but just in case you haven’t heard, there’s a bit of a chance of snow next weekend. Here’s how famous forecaster/analyst Cliff Mass breaks it down; here’s the National Weather Service’s “forecast discussion.”

West Seattle scene: Moonrise and skyline, seen from here

Lori from Nuvelocity shared that time-lapse of tonight’s moonrise on the WSB Facebook page, and it’s lovely enough to share here too.

West Seattle scene: ‘Mini Mount Rainier’ on Roxbury

Every shopping-center or supermarket parking lot seems to have one – a big pile of dirty snow left over from last week’s storm. Scott Ryan photographed this one, and e-mailed it to us late last night:

If anyone in West Seattle has aspirations of summiting Mt. Rainier, but would rather avoid the park fees and oxygen deprivation, there’s a limited window right now to climb a pile of snow that is impersonating Mt. Rainier in the Roxbury Safeway parking lot at 28th SW & Roxbury. At about eight feet, Mini Mt. Rainier is the largest of Safeway’s half a dozen snow piles, which are still resisting the warm front that defeated last week’s paralyzing snow attack.

West Seattle snow aftermath: Taking care of loose ends

12:23 PM: Even as some cope with new wind damage today, the city is continuing to take care of loose ends from last week’s snow/ice storm. One week ago, we showed you Beth Stone‘s photo (above left) of a street sign that came down at 47th/Admiral; on Tuesday, Admiral Neighborhood Association vice president Karl de Jong photographed an SDOT crew (above right) fixing it. In less than an hour, Mayor McGinn is scheduled to discuss another part of the cleanup/fixup plan – what’ll be done about post-storm potholes. We’ll add that information when it’s available (you can also watch here at 1 pm).

2:18 PM UPDATE: The mayor says four “Pothole Rangers” crews are out and about taking care of post-snow/ice potholes. More details in the city news release. (If you want to report one, you can do it online, here.)

West Seattle Weather Watch: Breezy, but no advisories

Just in case you’re waking up and wondering … the forecast says it’ll be breezy today, but not “advisory” level. Last night’s wild wind did cause some damage in West Seattle over the course of about eight hours; we chronicled it all, including photos and video, here. But this morning, so far, all seems to be relatively well (no power outages of note, either).

West Seattle Wind Watch: Damage, power outages

(TOPLINE: Scroll down for ongoing updates … Wind advisory extended till 4 am …)

(Here’s what the City Light power-outage map looked like during outage’s peak around 7:32 pm – click for “live” version)
6:14 PM: As the wind picks up, hours after the National Weather Service issued a “wind advisory,” a few power outages have popped up in West Seattle, . Right now, Seattle City Light reports more than 100 homes out between spots in Arbor Heights, mostly centered around 28th SW between SW 98th and 100th, and Westwood – here’s the latest map (which may lag reality a bit, so keep us posted). We’ll be tracking that and any other storm-related news throughout the evening. (Thanks for the tips – 206-293-6302 or editor@westseattleblog.com any time.)

6:22 PM: Text says the signal is out at SW Trenton on busy 35th SW. We’re off to check on other traffic effects. (added) Confirmed Trenton/35th out – and 35th/Barton too.

6:47 PM: We checked Westwood Village; so far, it appears to be OK (a sign flickering here and there). We’ve been asked about Arbor Heights Elementary; it appears to be in the dark – though homes nearby are not. The updated “wind advisory” says strong wind is likely to continue till about 9 pm, and the advisory is set to expire at midnight. Meantime, City Light has about 600 customers out around the city, almost all in Westwood/Fauntlee Hills/Arbor Heights per their map and what we’re seeing, roaming that area. A few businesses too – like Gasco at 35th/Henderson – though as you can see on the left edge of the photo, the nearby streetlight still has power:

7:06 PM UPDATE: The City Light map now has a total of 1,300+ homes/businesses without power in West Seattle. We caught up with a crew just south of Westside School (WSB sponsor), which DOES have power:

7:30 PM UPDATE: We have a report that police are putting out flares by a “wires down” report that is on the 911 log as near 35th/100th in Arbor Heights – we’ll check that out shortly. City Light has now revised the number of customers out to just under 900.

8:17 PM UPDATE: Took a quick trip out to check on things – and that’s when the power came back on. Just a handful left now. The lights on 35th are all working again; businesses at Westwood and nearby are all on; Arbor Heights Elementary has power too.

10:20 PM UPDATE: As commenters are noting, the wind has kicked up again in a big way. One WSB’er says via Twitter that it’s torn off her patio roof in the High Point area. The National Weather Service’s latest advisory still says it’ll calm after midnight. No new power outages reported in the West Seattle area, though there’s a new one with a few hundred people out in Burien.

10:52 PM UPDATE: Kate and Mac both reported the barricade barrels on the westbound West Seattle Bridge had been blowing around – we just took the screengrab (above) from the SDOT camera, showing what appears to have been a brief detour so they could be picked up (the live camera is clear now).
11:29 PM UPDATE: Keva tipped us via Twitter to the damaged 7-11 sign on the south end of The Junction, in pieces on the sidewalk with a police guard nearby. Video (you can hear the wind):

12:26 AM UPDATE: As discussed in comments, the wind advisory is now extended till 4 am. There is a big new outage in City Light territory but outside the city limits, mostly in Burien but stretching up to part of White Center/Top Hat.

12:46 AM: A utility pole has come down on the west edge of The Junction, along Glenn Way, reports WSB contributor Katie Meyer, who saw it “crash down” – she took this photo:

West Seattle snow aftermath: Storm by the numbers

(January 16th WSB photo, de-icer truck during “the calm between the storms“)
Just wrapped up at the City Council Transportation Committee‘s meeting, chaired by West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, the first preliminary briefing on how the city handled last week’s snow/ice storm. SDOT reps summarized it as a “really challenging week.” By the numbers:

$2.2 million = city’s budget for storm response
$1.35 million = projected total cost of storm response
($1.18 million costs confirmed so far)
55,353 = gallons of liquid salt brine used
(46,000 gallons kept in stock year-round)
5,015 = labor hours
3,941 = hours of equipment usage
3,372 = tons of rock salt used
946 = lane miles plowed/de-iced/etc.
100+ = emergency calls handled by SDOT from SPD, SFD
$100 = how much a ton of rock salt costs the city

Other notes from the briefing, ahead: Click to read the rest of West Seattle snow aftermath: Storm by the numbers…

West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory through 3 am

It’s calm right now – and the forecast doesn’t call for the wind to kick up till evening – but you should know in case you haven’t heard yet, the National Weather Service has another wind advisory up, in effect till 3 am.

West Seattle ice/snow aftermath: How do you think the city did?

(Photo by JayDee, taken near The Junction last Wednesday)
Tomorrow morning, the City Council’s Transportation Committee, chaired by West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, is scheduled for a preliminary discussion of how the city handled last week’s snow and ice. How do YOU think it went? You are of course welcome to discuss it here, but most importantly, there’s a simple way to share your opinion with the city – just go here. P.S. While Councilmember Rasmussen’s focus is on issues such as keeping major streets passable, there are other city services you might want to discuss: For example, the city’s Chief Technology Officer Bill Schrier (also a West Seattleite) has written about “Tech Lessons from the Seattle Snowstorm.” This was the first tryout, for example, for the “which streets have been plowed/de-iced” map. Back to tomorrow’s discussion – the committee meets at 9:30 am (agenda here).

From the ‘no news is good news’ file … wind advisory ends

On the heels of the snow/ice/slush, it’s been windy off and on for a couple days – just check out Erik Jaderquist‘s dog Ralph, photographed at Alki on Saturday! – but there’s good news tonight. The latest wind advisory has ended a couple hours ahead of the original projection. No warnings in effect at the moment except for a mention that it’ll get rainy again by mid-week.

West Seattle Weather Watch: Breezy but no advisory

Thanks to K for the afternoon view from Constellation Park via iPhone – note the kayaker at the center of the frame. (Perhaps Mark, featured here 4 weeks ago?) *Added* More than one – Danny McMillin shares this photo from the same area:

The breezy weather will continue. The newest forecast says tonight won’t be as wake-you-up gusty as last night – though tomorrow might be close. No alerts, so far, however, and we also haven’t heard or seen any major damage from last night’s round of wind.

West Seattle storm aftermath: Saturday midday notes

(Added 11:20 am: Early-early-morning Constellation Park waves, by Kenna Klosterman)
FORECAST: The wind advisory has officially expired. The National Weather Service says it’ll still be “blustery” but not serious enough for an alert. Showers and highs in the mid-40s. No West Seattle power outages, either; in the middle of the night, there was one very small outage on the map near Alki Point, but that appears to have been resolved.

CLOSURES/CHANGES: Still a few. West Seattle Golf Course is closed (per Facebook). Community School of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) has postponed today’s open house till February 4th. Marination Mobile canceled its regular Saturday visit. Otherwise, as far as we know, what’s on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar for today IS still on – check it out here; tomorrow we will resume our daily morning previews of each day’s highlights.

‘MOUNT COSTCO’: Kathleen e-mailed the photo of the giant snow mound in the Costco parking lot on 4th, for those thinking about making the bulk-buying run from West Seattle. She says the parking traffic jam is about that big too.

West Seattle Weather Watch: The wind arrives

3:23 AM: The National Weather Service‘s “wind advisory” officially took effect at midnight – and as of just before 3 am, the wind has arrived. The NWS says we may see gusts up to 45 mph; at 3 am, the Sea-Tac weather station recorded gusts just under 40. It’s all expected to calm down by late morning.

ADDED 4:10 AM: Metro is back on regular routing.

ADDED 7:38 AM: The city has changed its mind – NO residential solid-waste pickup today. (Details here.)

West Seattle Weather Watch: Friday p.m. melt-off edition

(NEW WEATHER ALERT: Wind advisory in effect starting at midnight)

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
12:50 PM: Just back from touring part of the peninsula, tweeting photos along the way.

(Looking south on 35th from Myrtle Reservoir Park vicinity)
The weather is dicier now than earlier – fog has rolled in (at least on the south side), and the rain continues to slushify the snow/ice – with some of the latter now coming off trees, cars, etc. in chunks and sheets. Just happened to us as we stopped on a downhill to turn – what had been frozen solid on the car roof suddenly slid down onto the windshield. And we just heard the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is closed because ice is coming off the cables. So be mindful of new (albeit temporary) hazards. Afternoon notes, ahead.

12:58 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools has announced that next Friday will be the first snow make-up day (was supposed to be a no-classes day).

1:31 PM UPDATE: Darren sent the photo with word a tree took out a wire near 34th/Findlay on the north side of High Point. No outage associated with that, according to the City Light system-status map, but the possibility continues to loom throughout the afternoon as chunks of ice keep falling off roofs, trees, poles, etc. (we just heard another mighty “thud” on the side of WSB HQ). The forecast hasn’t changed – rain, warming temperatures, and the wind picking up later.

2 PM UPDATE: Still a good idea to avoid non-arterial hills. Like Yancy (off Avalon, by WSB sponsor Stor-More), as Judy‘s photo shows. And if you really haven’t seen those windshield/car ice sheets yourself – they have an artistic application too, seen in this photo Brewster took in the Admiral District:

P.S. Puget Sound Blood Center has said they’re running way low because of the snow. If you are able to donate, please let ‘em know.

4:23 PM UPDATE: Trouble near Jefferson Square:

Mike says that Safeway truck is currently blocking 41st SW on the center’s east side. We also received a note from Martha warning about the condition of the parking lot inside the center: “No plowing, no drains have been cleared, standing water is a good 4-6″ deep, shopping carts cannot be maneuvered…” She says she complained to center management, but no response. And now a WIND ADVISORY is in effect, starting at midnight tonight – we had mentioned earlier that the forecast mentioned the possibility of wind but it’s been upgraded to an alert.

4:51 PM UPDATE: Metro issues the reminder that it’s on snow routing at least through the end of today, but hoping to start returning to normal operations over the weekend. Meanwhile, it’s getting dark fast, and if you haven’t taken a look recently at your sidewalk/storm drain, you might go out one more time (assuming you’re home) – Jeff sends this photo from 48th/Edmunds west of The Junction, where he says he is trying to stay ahead of “Slush-mageddon”:

After 6 pm or so, we’re planning go back to a more normal story flow, and the weather coverage will not necessarily be atop the main WSB page unless something major is happening. However, important notes (like the Wind Advisory) will be linked from the BIG STORIES list on the sidebar.

5:10 PM UPDATE: Traffic advisory in comments – lots of ferry traffic on Fauntleroy Way, and the slush/snow on the roadside is forcing it into the street. Here’s a webcam at Cloverdale:

We’re thinking Southworth-bound ferry traffic might be up because the Tacoma Narrows Bridge remains closed following the earlier problems with falling ice. (Added: Via Twitter, Maggie points us to the WSF Bulletin saying exactly that – longer waits on Southworth/Bremerton runs from this side.)

7:04 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Kirsten for this photo of the backup last hour at Fauntleroy/Myrtle:

We were out in that time frame traveling between Fauntleroy and The Junction, and lots of people are out and about. The complications include the fact the parking “lanes” alongside even the otherwise-cleared arterials are still full of slush, half-melted ice, and puddling. Good news is, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge’s center lanes have reopened, so the backup should start to … well, melt away.

10 PM: Desiree says the drama of two semis stuck in the vicinity of the east side of Jefferson Square continues. Another tow truck just showed up for the stuck Safeway semi:

West Seattle snow/ice: Friday morning updates

(TOPLINES: Metro still on snow routing … school closure list here … other changes/closures listed here)

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! The great warmup appears to be under way, with the Boeing Field temp up to 34 degrees at the top of the hour. Morning traffic/weather updates to come, and thanks again for sharing firsthand road reports – whether you’ve traveled it yourself, or can just see it from your home. Almost all schools are closed; no trash/recycling pickups today (if you were missed this week, the city says you can put out double on your regular day next week at no extra charge – but if you are a Friday customer, put it out tomorrow); and there’s one big city request: Clear your storm drain to prevent flooding as this all melts off and new rain arrives.

6:51 AM UPDATE: In comments, Tony provides the first road-condition report: 35th to the West Seattle Bridge to the 4th Avenue exit: “Bare and wet.” Metro buses ARE still on snow routing but warns that could change as conditions improve, so check before you go.

7:13 AM UPDATE: TV report just now from our friends at KING 5 issues a reminder that’ll be valid for much of the day: The melt-off comes with ice/slush sliding off roofs, branches falling off trees, and other new risks to be aware of. We’re starting a “non-school changes/closures” list again today – for one, the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) facilities ARE OPEN – here’s the list; please let us know if you have info to add.

7:25 AM UPDATE: Traffic alert – Jason tweets that a tree is down across one lane of Marine View Drive heading northbound downhill toward Fauntleroy.

7:52 AM UPDATE: From Twitter – a short SOUTHBOUND closure in the Battery Street Tunnel coming up: “SDOT to close southbound lanes of Battery St Tunnel to clear icicles. Will start at 8 AM, end around 8:15. NB lanes not impacted.”

8:19 AM UPDATE: Just went out for that photo looking toward northbound California SW from Thistle. Both are arterials, both plowed to the pavement. The melt-off is quite easy to hear, and see, outside. But the snow underfoot won’t go away immediately, since it included the layer of ice from yesterday morning’s storm.

8:29 AM UPDATE: The Battery Street Tunnel work is done, SDOT says. New problem: Northbound I-5 ramp to the West Seattle Bridge is blocked by a spun-out car.

9:04 AM UPDATE: The I-5 ramp problem is cleared. Speaking of clearing – above, that’s the storm drain near our corner. Some kind soul has already cleared it. The city (as mentioned earlier) is begging everybody to do the same.

10:18 AM UPDATE: The forecast is still suggesting more rain later, and potentially some wind late tonight into tomorrow. (added) P.S. From the WSB Forums, another reading alternative if you’re getting bored with the weather narrative here (we HAVE reported some non-weather stories this week – see the sidebar), read the story of the West Seattleite seen on TV and WSDOT cameras this morning in the I-5 ramp spinout. Meantime, we’re heading out to check on what’s happening around the peninsula.

West Seattle snow/ice: Thursday-Friday overnight edition

(Stacy‘s snow sculpture on Pigeon Point, photographed by Mark)
11:04 PM: All the weather info we’ve heard/seen so far suggests what you see out your window now will still be there in the morning. How long till it melts? Estimates vary. Meantime, most students are off again tomorrow (the closure list is here) and Metro plans to at least start the day on snow routes. Others have it rougher than us – a quarter-million people without power elsewhere in Western Washington, but only a handful in West Seattle, from two tiny outages in Genesee and Westwood.

11:21 PM UPDATE: A big addition to the closure list for Friday – South Seattle Community College. We will collect business/organization/facility closures again for one more day, so please let us know about any of those, too.

West Seattle Weather Watch: Icy Thursday, pm updates

(LINKS: Friday school closures already coming in … Winter Weather Advisory till 4 am … Ongoing list of business/etc. closures/changes here … Morning coverage/comments, here)

(Photo by Meredith, looking cityward from the bridge over Fairmount Ravine)
1:24 PM: It’s a freezing rain/snow mix here right now. Afternoon updates are below. Thanks yet again to everyone for sharing photos, road reports, business closed/open updates, everything else to help your West Seattle neighbors through day two of weather woes!

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
1:44 PM UPDATE: Waiting to see if the National Weather Service will extend the “ice storm warning” past 2 pm, since this doesn’t appear likely to end any time soon. At noon, weather analyst Cliff Mass predicted at least several more hours, and explained why this wasn’t foreseen till it was almost upon us.

2:05 PM UPDATE: Definitely snow out there now. Traffic alert: SDOT says a crash in the northbound 99 lanes at the Battery St. Tunnel has those lanes all CLOSED. From the city emergency-ops center:

With ice and snow continuing to cause challenging travel conditions, the City of Seattle is encouraging people to get home before dark if possible. After dark, icy conditions may worsen and ice will become more difficult to see. Pedestrians should exercise caution – many sidewalks are icy, and there is danger of falling ice from trees, buildings and power lines.

Residents are discouraged from all but essential travel to help keep roads open and safe for emergency vehicles, transit and snow removal. Streets may appear bare and wet but may be covered with ice, which will be difficult to see after dark. Ice accumulation could lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches, a danger for both drivers and pedestrians.

The National Weather Service has now switched our area to a Winter Weather Advisory (read it here) – which insists that it will warm up late tonight and all this will end.

2:47 PM UPDATE: Still snowing steadily and in the “new accumulation” category. We’ve received official word that the fire-relief benefits for Teri Ensley and Furry Faces Foundation tonight ARE POSTPONED. They’ve just settled on the date – Sunday the 22nd. … Road-condition report: Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) between The Junction and Morgan Junction took this photo after plowing/sanding crew went by a little while ago:

3:33 PM UPDATE: Josh sent this photo of the thick sheet of ice cleared off his wife’s car:

Co-publisher Patrick had the same results when he went out to make sure at least one of the official WSB vehicles is in ready-to-go mode if news breaks – almost an inch of ice. If your car has been parked outside your workplace etc. all day, you’ll need time to get it ready to go.

3:44 PM: “Wires down” call in South Delridge. Reportedly involving a tree, according to scanner traffic. … SDOT says (via FB) they are “utilizing truck drivers from a sister department and equipment from a vendor to augment resources for snow response.” … Another addition to our list of closures/changes – Pagliacci says it’s too dangerous to send delivery drivers out.

4:07 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools just announced they’re closed Friday. (They have not announced official make-up-day plans, for those who have asked.) … Holy Rosary and Westside School, too. We’ll update the school-closure page momentarily. … Metro also says it will continue on snow routing tomorrow.

4:27 PM UPDATE: Vashon Island School District latest to announce it’s closed tomorrow.(added) Seattle Public Schools has added some info about their decisionmaking process re: makeup days:

Next Tuesday, Jan. 24 is a three-hour early dismissal from schools because of a scheduled furlough day. That day cannot be used as a snow make-up day. District administration will determine tomorrow if Friday, Jan. 27 – a scheduled day off for professional development – can be used as a snow make-up day.

And we’ve also heard from Explorer West Middle School, they’ll close. Here’s where we’re updating the FRIDAY school-closure list.

5:21 PM UPDATE: Highline Public Schools is now on the closure list too. Meantime, we’ve heard from some area restaurants that ARE open tomorrow. We appreciate hearing directly – e-mail, comments, Facebook, Twitter – so here’s who says they’re open: Kokoras Greek Grill, La Rustica, Skylark, Blackboard Bistro, Terrible Beauty, Cactus on Alki. Also have seen mentions by Feedback Lounge, Locol, West 5, that they’re open and serving food. (Added: Proletariat Pizza, Zippy’s Giant Burgers, Circa.) But only if you can get there safely! Traffic alert: 1st Avenue South and S. Dakota Street, there’s a serious crash (rollover) – heard it on the scanner, and it’s affecting traffic in that area. … Got a note from Fairmount Park saying they haven’t had mail delivery in 2 days. Anyone else?

6:15 PM: The 1st/Dakota crash is cleared, per SDOT. There’s helpful info, meanwhile, in this update from King County – please especially take the part about checking on older/sick neighbors to heart. Re: the outage advice, we have had almost no trouble with that here – but things could change as the weather changes later tonight:

King County would like residents to keep four main points in mind overnight tonight and into the morning hours:

1) Residents must avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping grills and generators outside.
2) Only call 9-1-1 if you need immediate help from police, fire, or medics. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report power outages or road conditions.
3) Stay indoors and away from ice covered trees and power lines to avoid hazards from falling debris.
4) Shelters and warming centers are available throughout the county.

1. Carbon monoxide warnings

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but carbon monoxide poisoning can kill. Follow these tips to avoid accidental injury or death from carbon monoxide during a power outage or at any other time:

Only use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and vents.
Never use a generator or portable propane heater indoors, in garages or carports.
Never cook or heat inside on a charcoal or gas grill.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen suddenly and without warning. Physical symptoms may include splitting headache, nausea and vomiting, and lethargy and fatigue.

If you believe you could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Call for medical help from a neighbor’s home. The Fire Department will tell you when it is safe to re-enter your home.

If you have a power outage, use safe ways to stay warm. Find places where you can go to get warm, such as the home of friends and family with power. Many cities have opened centers where people can go during the day to stay warm. Center locations can be found at http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare

Wear several layers of light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear hats, mittens, and blankets indoors. Close curtains and cover windows and doors with blankets. Everyone should try to stay together in one room, with the door closed, to keep in body heat.

Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they are elderly or if you think their power might be out. If you know someone who has lost electricity, invite them to your home to stay warm. Warn neighbors, friends, family and community groups about carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keep 9-1-1 clear for emergencies

King County is currently experiencing a high volume of 9-1-1 calls that do not consist of actual emergencies. Only call 9-1-1 if you need immediate help from police, fire, or medics. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report power outages or road conditions.

Now to change the mood – thanks to whomever (on 51st SW, is all we saw) texted this photo:

6:46 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Library says the system will open at 1 pm tomorrow.

8:05 PM UPDATE: Just added more photos to the “snow-bird” gallery, and we’re working on a few other things to publish before the overnight weather story, including a gallery with the day’s “fun” pix. First, an update from the city, starting with words of thanks from the mayor:

“Everyone has had a hand in helping respond to this winter storm,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “I want to thank city employees who are working around the clock, residents who are making smart travel choices and helping their neighbors, and the media for the great job they’re doing keeping the community informed and sharing safety information.”

According to Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) reports, traffic volumes were significantly down in the city Wednesday and Thursday. For instance, the morning peak commute around the 8 a.m. hour southbound on the Aurora Bridge dropped from about 4,300 vehicle trips per hour to around 600 trips.

SDOT crews will be working through the night to remove snow and ice on major arterials and apply anti-icing solution.

West Seattle ‘snow birds’: A photo gallery of their own

(YET MORE PHOTOS ADDED EARLY FRIDAY!)

When we mentioned receiving so many bird photos during the snow/ice storm that they seemed to merit their own gallery, that drew some positive response – so we’re launching it now, between morning/afternoon coverage, and will continue adding to it. Top photo is Mark Wangerin‘s male Anna’s Hummingbird; next, a beautiful owl whose photo was tweeted by Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) last night:

Beautiful – and of course the bigger birds can be deadly too. Sherman’s Corner posted this next one on Facebook, looking to ID this bird that suddenly swooped down and killed a pigeon in the back yard:

Taught well by WSB birders, we guessed Cooper’s Hawk. Were we correct?

ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Suzanne has shared some wonderful photos. First one we’re featuring – a flicker (type of woodpecker, if you didn’t already know that):

Danny McMillin photographed this bald eagle on Monday near Alki Point:

On our snowy Sunday (seems so long ago!), Satom photographed Steller’s Jays with blooming witch hazel (thanks to Toni Reineke for forwarding the photo):

These crows were photographed by Emily Austin:

And here, courtesy of Mark Dale, is an American Robin:

AND MORE: Many hummingbirds. From Monica and Lisa:

Another bird from Mark Wangerin – this time a spotted towhee:

Plus one more from Suzanne, a fox sparrow:

Christina says her Khaki Campbell ducks were not pleased by the weather:

13-year-old Helen caught a group of robins:

Katie declared these to be robin tracks:

And we’re going to end with a bird-related sight: Beautifully iced chicken wire, from Brian Allen:

Thanks AGAIN to everyone who has shared photos, of birds and kids and iced plant stems and stuck buses and snowpeople and so much more. Sorry we couldn’t publish every single one … but don’t stop!

West Seattle weather: Ice storm warning; other Thurs. a.m. updates

(TOPLINES: Ice-storm warning extended till 2 pm … Non-school closures/changes, including all libraries & Seattle Parks facilities, here … Keep scrolling down for frequent updates; we’ll launch afternoon coverage by 1 pm)

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
An “ice storm warning” is this morning’s big news so far – with more freezing rain, resulting in conditions more dangerous than “just snow.” Here’s the National Weather Service warning.

SCHOOL CLOSURES: Once again today, just about every school is closed; South Seattle Community College has made its announcement too. Here’s the list.

OTHER CLOSURES/CHANGES: Seattle Public Library has announced its facilities are all closed because of the weather. Sea-Tac Airport is reporting delays. Seattle Public Utilities says NO residential pickup, limited commercial pickup. We’ll continue adding other government/business/etc. closures/changes to this list as we get them.

TRANSIT: Metro is again chained up and on snow routes with some cancellations – check here.

ONGOING UPDATES – STARTING AT 6:46 AM: In comments on the overnight roundup, “Smokey Cretin” has words of warning: You might have a LOT of ice on your windshield – and don’t do anything drastic like dumping hot water on it, “unless you want to buy a new windshield.” But the top-level advice is beyond that – PLEASE stay home if you possibly can. There’s no official word so far of road closures, but we’re monitoring all public communications channels, and things COULD change fast.

7:11 AM UPDATE: In comments, LyndaB reports the bridge was “slushy” this past hour but OK. Power outages could be a problem if too much ice builds up on lines – so if anything you really need isn’t fully charged, you might consider plugging it in before it’s too late. Just announced – no residential trash (etc.) pickup in Seattle today.

7:51 AM UPDATE: Crews are going to a reported downed/burning tree in far southeast WS, possibly related to power wires. No word of outages in our area (we’re watching the map) but lots of flickers.

8:11 AM UPDATE: Just ventured briefly outside. Serious ice on vehicles. Everything crunchy underfoot. You can hear the freezing rain as it falls. Windshield photo above (THICK ice, on car hood too). Video:

Listen to the crunch of the snow – and if you listen close, the freezing rain falling. Toward the end of the minute-long clip, you can see the ice coating plant stems.

8:37 AM UPDATE: On KING 5 just now, SDOT’s Rick Sheridan told Tracy Taylor that they have one plow devoted EXCLUSIVELY to the high bridge – no major problems reported currently either there or on the Alaskan Way Viaduct. (See live cams above.)

9:20 AM UPDATE: Just heard Linda from Metro mention “significant delays” for buses in some areas – another good reason not to go out if you don’t have to. ALSO – Seattle Parks has just announced, community centers/pools are closed today.

9:58 AM UPDATE: Bus stuck in the 4700 block of 35th SW per scanner, and other traffic may not be able to get around it. Continuing to add to the changes/closures list – Seattle Chinese Garden is the latest – adding businesses too. That includes restaurants. One restaurant is trying something inventive – via Facebook, Tuscan Tea Room Bistro in The Junction says that while its cooks are stuck and can’t come in, they’re offering free pots of tea 11 am-3 pm. (Tea-accompanying treats will cost you, of course, but the tea is free.) Meantime, Mike Jensen sent this photo of a downed tree in his Seaview-area neighborhood:

Tree damage is a distinct hazard in ice storms, as branches get weighed down – if you have to be outside, be very careful, for trouble above as well as underfoot!

10:12 AM UPDATE: Ice-storm warning extended till 2 pm. Metro bus trouble in at least two spots – stuck buses reported on 35th by The Mount (via scanner) and on California SW heading up Gatewood hill (via e-mail). (added) Twitter also reveals one stuck on 35th near Morgan.

11:11 AM UPDATE: And Tami sends the shot of bus trouble at 35th/Roxbury. We also have a general road-condition photo courtesy of Kate, on California SW looking south from Spokane:

Also some ice photos coming in, like this one from Diane in Westwood:

If you’re waiting for updates on Sea-Tac after the morning runway closures – KING 5 just reported a second runway is now open.

11:57 AM UPDATE: In the next hour or so, we will launch afternoon coverage, but this’ll keep going till then. We’re also working on the “snow bird” gallery, thanks for the photos! Also still adding to non-school closure/change list, hearing from more businesses and organizations – latest, ArtsWest canceling tonight’s show.

1:19 PM: Just started the snow bird gallery. Afternoon coverage next. Buses stuck on 35th in various spots – that’s the latest trouble we’ve heard of. And it seems to be a little more SNOW than frozen rain here in Upper Fauntleroy right now …