(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.