(11 PM TOPLINE: Trouble reported on many West Seattle hills; stalled buses reported, and Metro says all buses are on snow routes. Forecast still says this will switch to rain before you wake up tomorrow. Scroll down for newest info/pictures)

(Refresh for latest images: From left, ‘Walking on Logs’ area, WS Bridge east of 35th, west entrance ‘low bridge’)
8:08 PM: About half an inch of snow on the ground – and on cars (our unscientific measurement above) – in The Junction, where we just left a meeting:

By all accounts, including Facebook and Twitter, it’s snowing pretty much everywhere in West Seattle. En route back to HQ. Bill reports he just saw a salt truck go by at Marine View and 102nd. Keep the snow reports coming!

8:18 PM: Heading slowly southbound on California SW. Now south of The Junction – it’s sticking, albeit lightly and quite driveably so far, on California. The snow is still steady, but not falling that heavily.

8:34 PM: Made it back to HQ. Going up the California SW hill south of Morgan Junction was fine – as long as you drive slowly – the usual snow advice for hills. Meantime, Richard e-mails to say that even by the water, Brace Point area, there’s up to about half an inch on the ground. From High Point, Jennifer tweeted this photo of her dogs out in the snow (Jessie and JoJo):

From Puget Ridge via Facebook, Christina says about an inch of snow has fallen:

No recent forecast updates, but within an hour or so we should hear what the National Weather Service thinks about the prospects this will progress the way most had predicted, with rain arriving overnight.

9:07 PM UPDATE: Added traffic cameras at the top of this item – and a photo immediately above, looking down at Jefferson Square entrance on 42nd, via Twitter from Cindy. Also getting an update on Junction conditions, from Christopher Boffoli: “1-2 inches on the ground here now. No evidence this section of Cali has been salted. People fishtailing and spinning out. Traffic is actually pretty heavy too. Every bus I’ve seen has had chains. They seem to be OK.” That coincides with an advisory just in from SDOT, saying they’re “transitioning to plowing roads.” Also a note from our snow-country-raised co-publisher, who’s heading uphill from lower Fauntleroy: This is “dry” snow.

9:26 PM UPDATE: Co-publisher reports people stuck and spinning out on the California SW hill south of Morgan Junction (as does Kae via comments) and sent this photo:

We also have a report of bus trouble – two of them – on SW Barton in Westwood/Roxhill area – thanks to Dana for this view:

9:49 PM UPDATE: More photos coming in. First, Trick caught this screen grab from one of the SDOT cameras we have “live” atop this story – the “Walking on Logs” spot alongside the southwestbound Fauntleroy end of the West Seattle Bridge – he points out the salt/sand truck!

And from Charles, a look along Avalon, toward SW Yancy (and WSB sponsor Stor-More) on the east side of the street:

Meantime, via Twitter, @reallowvibe warns that the Admiral hill is trouble now too. Again, just about every hill should be avoided right now, unless you happen to have seen a plow. It’s still snowing steadily out there, and the wind direction has not changed in the direction that would portend this ending any time soon. And from Cindi on the SW Morgan hill between 35th SW and Morgan Junction – “From the top of the hill, I’ve already seen cars going down have serious problems, it’s very slick. A police car was spinning his wheels going up – that was about an hour ago.”

10 PM UPDATE: Metro says all buses are now on snow routes. National Weather Service still promises rain by the time you wake up tomorrow:

FORECAST IS FOR THE SNOW TO CHANGE TO RAIN DURING THE NIGHT AND NO CHANGES TO THAT IDEA. THE WHOLE PROCESS WAS A LITTLE SLOWER THAN EARLIER MODELS HAD IT…WITH A LATER ONSET TIME AND THEREFORE A LATER CHANGE OVER TIME. STILL…BY MORNING SNOW WILL HAVE CHANGED TO RAIN JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE. THE ONLY EXCEPTION MIGHT BE THE WESTERN WHATCOM COUNTY ZONE…WHERE THERE IS A WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT MAINLY BECAUSE SNOW THERE WILL LAST THE LONGEST.

10:31 PM UPDATE: Two video clips in from WSB’ers – top, that’s Alex’s view of The Bridge from the west; next, a view from Fairmount:

Snowflakes are getting bigger here, which our resident snow expert says means the snow’s getting wetter – which would have to happen before the predicted turn-to-rain …

11 PM UPDATE: That photo from Keva shows a plow just south of The Junction. We’ve also heard about a plow sighting in the Alki area. Plus, another bus problem – the westbound 56 reported stalled atop the eastern Admiral Way hill, around 37th and Admiral.

11:25 PM UPDATE: Before the snow makes way for rain – there’s a fun photo – Laura Matheson says her kids Julia and Rebecca were ready to start building a snowman as of about 9 pm, with two inches by then on “High Point Hill.” Looking outside, we seem to have between 2″ and 3″ here in Upper Fauntleroy, but sleet is starting to creep in with the snow – you can hear the precipitation now, and pure snow is usually fairly quiet. But we all saw some, even Beach Drive, where Linda Ann took this photo:

The major concern we’ll be watching for the morning commute … how fast will this all wash away? SDOT’s been working hard on the West Seattle Bridge, so even if there’s still snow around your house, there’s some hope the major commute routes will be OK in the morning.

12:47 AM: We’ll be starting an overnight report shortly, to cover the hours till the morning commute. Meantime, lots of plow and sander activity here by headquarters – have heard the trucks go by numerous times. And a few more photos to share – thanks to SA for Alki’s Lady Liberty, the frosted version, above. (added) We caught one of the plows westbound on Thistle to northbound California; it continued to work California, back and forth, even the non-arterial section south of California, for a while thereafter:

(7:56 PM TOPLINES: NOW it’s snowing notably … will start another update soon, adding some visuals below)

3:38 PM: We’re now kicking off our afternoon “snow or no?” coverage. Above, the snowplow that SDOT has “pre-positioned” in West Seattle, parked at 38th/Alaska when we caught up with it a little while ago. SDOT says it’s ready, WSDOT says (for state highways) it’s ready, Metro Transit says it’s ready.

(Refresh for latest pic from WS Bridge camera, looking eastbound, and Junction cam, more on the WSB Traffic cams page)
3:55 PM UPDATE: Here are the school changes we published earlier. West Seattle Little League president Mark Terao just e-mailed to say tonight’s registration session is CANCELED, because of Seattle Public Schools (there’s another session set for next Tuesday, January 18). Seattle Parks, meantime, says community centers and pools are operating **normally** until and unless weather requires a change in that decision. One event cancellation so far: nrg day spa‘s Grand Opening is postponed till Thursday night, during the West Seattle Art Walk.

4:09 PM UPDATE: Weather analyst Cliff Mass is about to release his “nowcast” – but for starters says, “Nothing is happening right now. No need to rush home, or anywhere else.” (Added) It’s out. He says nothing imminent for at least two hours in the metro area:

Bottom line: you don’t have to rush anywhere if you are living in western Washington. No imminent significant snow for next two hours. The satellite suggests a more intense band offshore that would come in during the evening…but can’t be sure. At the same time it is warming aloft as we speak. Stay at work. Enjoy happy hour. WSDOT doesn’t need to be concerned about a rush-hour mess.

4:43 PM UPDATE: Metro is chaining buses, still just as a precaution. One more cancellation: West Seattle Community Orchestras’ rehearsals/meetings tonight.

5:24 PM UPDATE: The weather’s still calm, at least here in the city. A smattering of snow reports elsewhere – such as Bellingham, Whidbey Island, Hoquiam. Forecasters still say we’ll see some, at some point, but are sticking to the “rain by very early morning.”

6:30 PM UPDATE: A few flakes were falling as we left Fauntleroy bound for a meeting in The Junction, but they stopped mid-Gatewood. Keep us posted with what you are seeing – or not seeing – where you are. (added a few minutes later) Via Facebook and Twitter, we’re getting snow reports from most spots around West Seattle – except, so far, at sea level.

7:56 PM UPDATE: Snowing notably in The Junction. Will add a photo in a moment. Will start a new story soon, too.

(Stopped at Myrtle Reservoir Park just before noon – only snow in view was on the distant Cascades)
10:12 AM: If you’re at work outside West Seattle and wondering what’s happening back home – so far, no flakes, the clouds are high, temps in the mid-30s. The National Weather Service is out with its midmorning “forecast discussion” and says things are on track for snow, not lasting too long, but maybe a little later than originally expected:

.OUR LOWLAND SNOW EVENT IS STILL UNFOLDING AT THIS HOUR. … WILL SEE PRECIP IN THE FORM OF SNOW LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS MOISTURE OVERSPREADS THE COOL LOW LEVEL AIR MASS. TEMPS THIS MORNING ARE IN THE 20S-30S WITH DEW POINTS IN THE TEENS AND 20S…DEFINITELY COOL ENOUGH TO SUPPORT LOWLAND SNOW. WARMER AIR WILL RUSH INLAND OVERNIGHT WITH SNOW CHANGING OVER TO RAIN. ALL TOLD…MOST AREAS WILL JUST SEE A FEW HOURS OF ACCUMULATING SNOW WHICH WILL LIKELY ALL WASH AWAY BY THE RAIN EARLY WED.

SEATTLE METRO AREA…PRECIP TIMING HAS BEEN DELAYED IN THE SEATTLE METRO…MOST LIKELY DUE TO EASTERLY DOWNSLOPE FLOW OFF THE CASCADES. THE UW WRF GFS STILL SHOWS LIGHT SNOW POSSIBLE BY THE EVENING COMMUTE…AROUND 00-03Z. THE NAM12 IS A LITTLE SLOWER. THUS TOUGH TO PIN DOWN THE EXACT START TIME BUT SHOULD SEE SOME FLAKES FALLING THIS EVENING. THE SWITCH OVER TO RAIN WILL OCCUR OVERNIGHT 09-12Z…SO SHOULD NOT SEE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE WED MORNING COMMUTE. UNTIL THEN CANNOT RULE OUT AT LEAST 1 INCH OF ACCUMULATION…WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE IN SNOHOMISH CO AND OVER IN THE KITSAP AROUND BREMERTON.

Translation: Z is universal time, which is currently 8 hours ahead of Seattle time – so 00-03Z for snow arrival is 4-7 pm, 09-12Z for switchover to rain is 1 am-4 am.

11:07 AM: Still flakeless. The Olympics are even visible. Cliff Mass is out with his latest analysis – and promising a “nowcast” at 4 pm in hopes that’ll help you decide what to do.

12:10 PM: Even a sunbreak, a few minutes ago. But don’t get complacent. SDOT has sent out an advisory about what steps it’s taken, along with a reminder:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) stands ready to take on snow later this afternoon, keeping roads open, buses moving and critical emergency services accessible. Current predictions are for one to three inches of snow falling between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., followed by rain with the potential for icing during the transition period.

Last night, SDOT pre-treated all elevated structures and certain trouble spots on major arterials with salt brine. The department also treated sidewalks on bridges and pedestrian bridges yesterday. SDOT will continue its preparatory work by pre-treating the remaining portions of the snow route network today. By early afternoon Tuesday, the department will have 30 plows and four flusher trucks prepositioned throughout the city in key locations in advance of the storm’s predicted onset.

Motorists are advised to use caution when driving in snow and ice, especially on Seattle’s many hills and bridges. For up-to-date information on the City’s response and roadway conditions, please visit: Seattle.gov/transportation. Motorists can also check on current traffic conditions and roadway images on SDOT’s Traveler’s Map at: web5.seattle.gov/travelers.

As a reminder, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties after a snowstorm. SDOT encourages residents and businesses to have snow shovels and materials on-hand to keep walkways clear and safe for pedestrians.

“Snow after 4 pm” is the latest prediction by forecasters from the National Weather Service – which has a “winter weather advisory” in effect – to TV. We will of course be tracking whatever happens, throughout the day/night – but just in case the forecasts don’t pan out, take note that there’s a lot on the schedule tonight – second Tuesday of the month is the busiest night for community groups’ meetings: An update on Metro’s much-discussed West Seattle RapidRide Line C is scheduled for Junction Neighborhood Organization, Fairmount Community Association, and West Seattle Junction Association members – and anyone else interested – at 6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle; then at 7 pm, it’s meeting time for Fauntleroy Community Association (old schoolhouse) and Admiral Neighborhood Association (lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church). … West Seattle Little League plans in-person signups 6-8:30 pm at West Seattle High School Library (more details here) … A poetry-critiquing workshop with members of poetrybridge is scheduled at High Point Library, 6-7:45 pm (call the branch to register, 206-684-7454) … More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar; if weather conditions lead to any changes or postponements, we’ll have the latest here as well as via Twitter and Facebook. (WSB file photo by Ellen Cedergreen, from SDOT media briefing last November)