West Seattle Weather Watch: City crews ready for anything

Serious rain off and on so far today — forecast has updated with an alert of “heavy rainfall possible tonight through Friday morning” — and the city’s already in “urban flood response” mode, according to an alert from Seattle Public Utilities. We talked with spokesperson Andy Ryan, who says SPU is keeping close watch on known trouble spots around the city, including parts of North Delridge (who can forget what happened 11 months ago); WSB’er Chris, in fact, tweeted that he was “delighted to see the utility crew cleaning up/checking on the Delridge onramp at 5:45 this morning” and suggests we remind everyone that the Drainage Emergency Hotline is 206-386-1800. (At left, the view through the window, er, windshield, of the WSB Mobile Office. Anyone recognize the backdrop?)

kate storms November 6, 2008 (1:34 pm)

Now’s the time to take our favorite rakes to the curbside and give SPU a hand with clearing the storm drains at the end of our blocks.

changingtimes November 6, 2008 (3:08 pm)

omg! this weather makes me sooo depressed! but also calls for those chicken soup recipes and a good book!

Kat November 6, 2008 (4:41 pm)

Watch out for inconsiderate people when you’re out clearing the drains… I decided to get my exercise by clearing the drains up and down the Highland Park Way hill and I couldn’t believe how many cars would zip by me in the curb lane while I was leaning over raking my little heart out. I doubt I’ll do that again!

I probably did look completely deranged with my deep hooded jacket walking around with a hand rake in the rain!

cruiser November 6, 2008 (4:47 pm)

Well done Kate,those people really need to turn over a new leaf…sorry sometimes I can’t help myself:)

C.A. November 6, 2008 (4:57 pm)

@Kat, I signed up for the Adopt A Drain program, and just need to locate a few nearby storm drains to “adopt” so I can send in that info. But I’ve been worried about the same thing. Even if you take precautions like wearing lighter clothing/reflective gear, keeping an eye out for vehicles, and trying to clear the drains when there’s still sufficient daylight, it’s still somewhat scary and risky, for a handful of reasons. So, everyone, please be careful… Drivers – allow yourself the extra time to get where you need to go, and the space to safely go around those who are offering their services.

Forest November 6, 2008 (5:02 pm)

I haven’t been there in years, so this is wild guessing from faded memories, but I say the photo backdrop appears to perhaps be the north tree tops of Lincoln Park as seen from southbound Fauntleroy.

MargL November 6, 2008 (6:34 pm)

I’m gonna say it’s the viaduct.

Scott (no, the other Scott) November 6, 2008 (7:08 pm)

The image is maddeningly familiar and I have to say it’s a parking garage, but I can’t for the life of me say where.

WSB November 7, 2008 (12:24 am)

Ding ding ding, parking garage indeed. Sorry, kind of a trick question since it wasn’t in West Seattle; I was in the parking lot at the Highline Medical complex (Three Tree building) in Burien after interviewing West Seattleite Chris Porter for an election followup (that will appear here sometime Friday) – Chris was an Obama delegate to the DNC and is going to the inauguration – TR

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