West Seattle Weather Watch: Trees down on 48th; buses rerouted

(Scroll down for the newest info/photos)

(WSB photo added 9:15 am, trees across 48th SW)
ORIGINAL 7:35 AM REPORT: First report of notable weather-related trouble; Metro just sent an alert that the 37 and 53 bus lines are rerouted because of “an incident” at 48th SW/SW Eddy. Checked with Seattle Police – they have word of trees down on 48th SW at SW Holly, which is also affecting car traffic – not sure yet exactly where the detours are, but avoid that area. Here’s the reroute alert from Metro:

Routes 37 & 53 are rerouted due to an incident on 48th SW near SW Eddy St. Use the stop north of SW Graham St or the stop north of Atlas Pl SW.

This is between Seaview and Lowman Beach; here’s a map. 9:25 AM UPDATE: From the scene – 48th SW is closed from SW Eddy at the top of the hill, to the bottom where it meets Lincoln Park Way and Beach Drive. We also received this photo with another perspective on the blocked road, as a school bus (they had to reroute too) faced the mess:

We also got a note about the wind tearing away more of the plastic sheeting around the scaffolding on the 35th/Myrtle water tower that’s been getting painted. Here’s how it looked as of a few minutes ago:

10:05 AM UPDATE: Just checked with SDOT – Marybeth Turner tells us the urban-forestry crew estimates 48th will be cleared/reopened no later than 11:30 am. 1:21 PM: Kris notes in comments that the road has reopened; also, Metro has confirmed Routes 37 and 53 are now back to normal. 2:04 PM: Jody adds this via Facebook: “”A good section of the sidewalk on the east side of the street is closed though for anyone walking in that area.””

so May 3, 2010 (9:14 am)

Thanks for this – I got on today wondering about this wind. It’s pretty severe on top of Thistle. I’m worried about my trees and spring garden.

Kris May 3, 2010 (12:52 pm)

The road is cleared and now open.

WSB May 3, 2010 (1:18 pm)

Thanks. Metro just sent the confirmation that 37/53 are back to normal.

squareeyes May 3, 2010 (1:41 pm)

Seems like this isn’t the first time that trees have come down on this stretch of 48th and I’m doubtful it’ll be the last based on the unmaintained state of the landscape. Is it city or private property?

Findlay May 3, 2010 (1:47 pm)

I was at that area this morning and noticed that a school bus was being blocked by the downed tree.

After turning my vehicle around, I told some kids waiting at the next stop that their school bus was being delayed by a tree being down across the road.

Hoping that the kids were taken care of by SPD or the school district.

Could you check on what may have happened to them?

Bettytheyeti May 4, 2010 (9:37 am)

@squareeyes; the overgrown ivy understory has weakened the trees. I looked into “Rent a Ruminant” for what appears green space, and told its all actually private property.

Wendy Hughes-Jelen May 4, 2010 (11:36 am)

I thought the water towers were going to be dismantled when the reservoir is complete? If so, why are they painting it? I was hoping the scaffolding was for removing the tower.