(TOPLINES: Seattle, Highline, Vashon school districts closed Thurs. (new list of Thurs. closures, here) … today/tonight’s non-school closures/changes here … snow-fun photo gallery here)

1:01 PM: The classic song “With a Little Help from My Friends” might be today’s theme song.

Above, Suzanne shared the photo of a stuck U.S. Postal Service truck getting help on the Barton hill in Fauntleroy from her husband, among others; below, tweeted by PCTheGov, a Metro bus getting a tow from alongside Capco Plaza at 42nd/Alaska:

Speaking of buses, the 54 is back on its full route. Meantime – it’s been snowing for 11 hours — still very small flakes – and we keep hearing it’s going to stop any minute now.

1:49 PM: The snow is lighter now. The forecast continues to include a chance of snow off and on through tomorrow, but after that, by all accounts, it’s rain, and much warmer. Above, a look at Delridge/Juneau, courtesy of Sage K. We’ll include mostly informational photos – road conditions/challenges, for example – in this coverage, but we also are continuing to add to a gallery of snow-fun shots – see it here.

2:33 PM UPDATE: Looking ahead to the commute home – if you had to go to work (and some didn’t – we have heard the figure cited that the area traffic has been about a third of normal today) – remember that the 2nd/Columbia bus stop downtown is not served during snow-route operations (3rd/Spring instead). On the roads, West Seattle Be Prepared relays the report that Pigeon Point has pretty much gone unplowed today. Jen tells us Arbor Heights is mostly unplowed and Roxbury is slushy. JayDee spotted a snow-removal crew near The Junction, Oregon/Glenn:

SDOT has just sent its afternoon overview:

Seattle deployed a fleet of 30 plows, de-icing trucks, and graders to remove snow from approximately 750 miles of priority roadways in the city today. Residents are discouraged from traveling to help keep roads open and safe for emergency vehicles, transit and snow removal.

Road crews continue to focus on plowing and salting major arterials and transit routes for emergency vehicles and buses. If you must drive, be prepared with tire chains, warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Be aware of the potential for icy or slippery conditions.

On residential streets, residents should be cautious about accumulated ice and snow which will not clear until temperatures rise above freezing for an extended period.

Melting snow can overwhelm storm drains by filling them with ice, leaves and accumulated street debris. Clogged drains can result in flooding and hazardous road conditions. In Seattle, there are about 80,000 storm drains — far more than city crews can clear quickly. Residents are asked to clear storm drains on their streets if it can be done safely.

Please use caution if sledding today. In 1989, a 12 year old girl was killed in a sledding accident in Magnolia. Discovery Park, Camp Long, Carkeek Park and Seward Park are open for snow play.

Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice covered surfaces.

3:20 PM UPDATE: If you had been planning on attending a meeting, going out to dinner, etc., tonight, check our list of closures/changes, which has grown through the day – not necessarily all-inclusive, but we’ve listed everything that’s been called to our attention or that we’ve seen mentioned online. We’re also awaiting any early decisions on tomorrow’s school schedules – and will add them here when word comes in.

4:31 PM: Seattle Public Schools just announced, no school tomorrow.

4:41 PM: Vashon has canceled school for tomorrow too. We’ve started a new story listing Thursday closures – find it here; we’ll update it through the night and into the morning.

5:05 PM: We’re monitoring scanner, TV, and multiple other sources for potential commute problems. None so far. Took the photo above at the nearby corner of California/Thistle, much clearer than it was earlier – and moments later, another plow went by, headed eastward on Thistle (the photo looks north on Calif.). Side streets that haven’t been extensively driven, though, are still snow-covered.

5:32 PM: We’re starting to get some Thursday non-school closures too. We’ll continue to add them to this list of non-school facilities/businesses/etc. closures/changes started earlier today, since some of those are still in effect. Some restaurants, for example, are closing early. (If you’re looking for numbers to call before going out – the WSB Restaurant Guide might help.)

6:31 PM: An apparent weather casualty – that sign at the already-worrisome 47th/Admiral intersection, photographed by Beth Stone. Whether you are walking, driving, or riding tomorrow, ice is the new concern, as freezing rain is falling now, and freezing atop the layer of existing snow. Arterials get salt; side streets are left to their own devices. The major warmup isn’t expected for another 24 hours or so. Meantime, school closures keep coming in – Westside is the latest.

7:31 PM: And, not too much later, several others – all listed here. We will be starting an evening weather report by 8:30 or so, but are working on a few other things – non-snow news, plus more photo gallery additions – in the meantime.)

(NEW PHOTOS ADDED AT 11:51 PM)

Thank you so much for the photos you’re sharing! We’re setting up this gallery for the ones that aren’t woven into our ongoing updates – since this will be a day to remember. For people of all ages – above, Sarah‘s photo from snow fun on Alki – and critters too – Kerry shared the photo of “Chewy“:

Next, it’s Eve, who’s helping the West Seattle Be Prepared folks, who are running a “mini-emergency ops center” sharing some neighborhood information (check @wsbeprepared on Twitter):

Back to Alki – Debra Salazar Herbst shares the overview – including some cross-country skiers, if you look closely:

Also at the beach, Terry and his dogs were out early this morning:

All over West Seattle, a whole lot of sledding! First, Sweeney’s Plumbing (WSB sponsor) caught these sledders along the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail:

Jeff shares the scene at 47th and Alaska:

Gail T watched sledders from her living room in Fauntlee Hills – this is along SW Trenton:

Even with school out today, there’s plenty of school spirit! In this next photo, Chief Sealth International High School Cheerhawks senior Shayla Clement (right) and junior Merissa McEwan (left) “build a Snow-Girl with school spirit! Go Hawks!”:

Even the UW was closed today – but one of Debra’s neighbors on Alki came down with a case of Husky fever:

Maybe this was “cabin fever.” Kyle Bolton of West Seattle, captioned “WHAT snow day?”

And after you come in from the snow, you have to get dried off – Julie says her dog Harper loves the snow:

More sledding: JayDee caught the Charlestown Hill crowd on camera:

And while we’re getting a lot more snow-dog photos – this is the first snow chicken, courtesy of Craig:

ADDED 7:51 PM: More of the photos WSB’ers are sharing. First, more snow dogs. Kate and Tito Titus had to towel off 14-year-old Grizz after a snow adventure:

Here’s Tiffani‘s snow dog, Aspen:

Beatrice in Fauntlee Hills shares this pic of Tucker, exploring:

Different creatures now – from Bryan B, snow sharks in Lincoln Park!

Emma Airhart was creating a self-portrait in snow, according to mom Sarah:

From Anne Giroux, Charlie Douglas, Nichole Tucker, and Adam Cox – their snow creation:

Frank captured kids having snow fun at 37th and Hanford:

A colorful contrast at Schmitz Park, from Doreen:

And the snow-bound Alki Lighthouse, from Deanna:

ADDED 11:51 PM: One more wave, starting with Alison‘s photo of Harrison along SW Graham in the Morgan Junction area:

We’ve seen lots of snow dogs… but how about snow cats? Looking out from inside, it’s Katie’s BlueMoo:

Back outdoors, Valorie‘s cat Bodhi, in Seaview:

Now back to the snow dogs – Roxanna is a guide dog in training, 7 months old, enjoying her first Seattle snowfall, says puppy-raiser McKenna Kormanik from West Seattle See Dogs:

Another snow pooch and snow person in Rachel‘s photo:

And look what Ellen, Sam, Jama, and Katie created in front of C and P Coffee (WSB sponsor)!

Thanks for all the photos, everyone who sent them, and have a great Thursday!

(TOPLINES: Snow started 2 am … most schools closed, listed here … no trash [etc.] pickup today … non-school closures/changes listed here (including 3 meetings canceled for tonight) … Metro on snow routes, with some cancellations)

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:07 AM: As noted in our overnight coverage, the snow began to fall around 2 am. No big flakes, though, so it hasn’t piled up in a big way. Most schools have announced they’re closed – here’s the official list – we’ll be compiling a list of any other closures there are to report (facilities, businesses, etc.) so please let us know what you’re hearing/seeing. The city is working on the arterials as promised (here’s the tracking map); so far, no major road trouble reported. Metro is continuing on snow routes, with some cancellations – check the list here. Your commute report is appreciated if you have to go in – whether by car, bus, bike, Water Taxi, etc.!

6:43 AM UPDATE: ***No Wednesday trash/recycling/etc. pickup***, the city has announced – if you have Wednesday pickup, put it out tomorrow. In comments, Bob S. notes that while the SDOT map suggests the west leg of Admiral Way is cleared, it doesn’t look that way from where he is – so again, eyewitness commute reports (and when feasible after sunrise, photos) VERY much appreciated, but of course no texting while driving, please!

7:15 AM UPDATE: Went out for a firsthand look. About 2 inches where we are (Upper Fauntleroy/south Gatewood, about 350′ elevation). Non-arterial streets completely snow-covered; arterials have at least one traveled lane. Here’s our look at Thistle/California from just before 7:

Forecast says the winter-storm warning remains up till 8 tonight, AND that it will be windy this afternoon.

7:33 AM UPDATE: Seattle Public Library announces its branches will be open 1-5 pm today. We have started our “other closures/changes” list – find it here – and that’s part of it. Another commute note – Water Taxi running OK, says Charlie via Twitter. (added) And Russ tweeted this photo:

8:05 AM UPDATE: Outside WS, if you get stuck in a pay station/meter spot, you will NOT get ticketed “during snow response,” the city says in response to a WSB commenter’s question we forwarded. We’re headed back out the door for an updated look at nearby streets. P.S. The unstoppable Tilden School (WSB sponsor) says it IS open for those who can get there safely, per Julie Enevoldsen. Also just got a “short-term forecast” from National Weather Service, expecting “moderate snow” to continue in Seattle till at least 10 am.

8:32 AM UPDATE: Could not resist that one – Machel Spence captures a house finch’s bewilderment at the unusual sight. (We’ll be publishing photos today both in ongoing coverage like this and for a separate gallery.) Still no major road troubles aside from some stuck buses – Wildwood in Fauntleroy is the most recent trouble spot mentioned on the scanner – but we just got a tweet suggesting things are worsening as the snow continues; Keith just came back from downtown and says he saw some drivers struggling on the bridge.

9 AM UPDATE: That’s an updated look at the two-arterial turn near WSB HQ, looking north on California as it turns eastward uphill onto Thistle. Snow blowing sideways out of the north here, at least three inches on the ground.

9:21 AM: From Jeff, a shot looking southward at 35th just past Holden. On the business front, we have heard from Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska), which has gear not only for whatever ski trip this weather enables, but also for you to get around today – “For everyone stuck in WS, we have gloves, hats, and clothing if people are not prepared of the storm. We also have a dozen pairs of rental snowshoes as well, not to often you get to try it at sea level!” says proprietor Greg Whittaker.

9:54 AM: Ron Zuber on the SW Morgan hill east of Morgan Junction advises avoiding it: “Between California and 35th (it) is a mess. Don’t try it unless you have studs or chains.” (He should know – he is an emergency-preparedness expert. And we thank him for this pic:)

Morgan Community Association, by the way, has canceled tonight’s meeting (rescheduled to January 25th), as has the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council. (Our list of non-school closures/changes keeps getting longer – see it here.)

10:59 AM UPDATE: We’ll keep this story going till about noon, and then switch over to an afternoon report. In comments, there was a question about who’s open for lunch. More restaurants than you might think! We have been monitoring Facebook and Twitter as well as receiving e-mails, and have noted in the comments who’s open, as well as noting on our closures page who’s closed or changed operations. All info welcome – editor@westseattleblog.com, or post a comment. Meantime, if you’re reading this from outside WS and wondering, still snowing but still very fine, and blowing out of the north.

11:13 AM UPDATE: Tonight’s Seattle School Board meeting – which included a key vote on “capacity management” for next year, affecting many West Seattle families – is postponed till next Wednesday. Meantime, the aforementioned lunch discussion (who’s open?) is also happening on the WSB Facebook page – direct link here. Meantime, from Anne at Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor), Morgan Junction:

And a fun photo (while we set up today’s gallery) from Robert Perry – the “Alki Sentry”:

Yes, some people biked in this morning – Seattle Times transportation reporter Mike Lindblom (a West Seattleite and bicyclist) told one rider’s story on seattletimes.com.

1:08 PM NOTE: We have now moved to ongoing afternoon coverage here, and also are adding additional photos (mostly snow fun!) to an ongoing gallery for today, here.

(Thanks to Eileen for the photo – milk section got a little bare in Jefferson Square Safeway!)
Both late-night forecast updates are in, and here’s the summary:

*NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE – Potentially 4 to 8 inches in Seattle.
*CLIFF MASS – More like 2 to 4 inches in Seattle.

Many schools already have announced closures for tomorrow (here’s the updated list). Metro buses remain on snow routes, with some cancellations. More to come.

(Photo added 3:10 am, looking north on California SW from SW Thistle)
2:50 AM UPDATE: It’s been snowing steadily since 2 or so, according to our weather spotter here at HQ – very fine, though, right now, not those big fluffy flakes. It’s sticking, too. And SDOT has just sent its first advisory of the morning:

A light snow is beginning to fall in south and West Seattle. As the much anticipated winter storm makes its arrival, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is out in full force ensuring the roadways are safe for travel, especially bus and emergency vehicle routes. Ready for whatever comes, the department has deployed 30 plow trucks for clearing major arterials and four tanker trucks are applying anti-icer to elevated roadways and known trouble spots along the snow route network. Motorists are urged to help out by making way for the snow response trucks.

Drivers area also advised to use added caution on Seattle’s many hills and bridges. For up-to-date information on SDOT’s response activities and roadway conditions, please visit: seattle.gov/transportation/winterweather.htm . Motorists can also check on current traffic conditions and roadway images on SDOT’s Traveler’s Map at web5.seattle.gov/travelers .

SDOT reminds property owners that they are responsible for clearing snow and ice off sidewalks adjacent to their properties.

(9:45 PM TOPLINES: More school cancellations for Wednesday (here’s the list) … Late-night forecast updates now coming in)

While some other parts of the city have snow, as of right now, we still don’t. But the snow elsewhere – and anticipation here – has still led to some changes, so here’s where we are publishing updates:

(Lincoln Park this afternoon, courtesy David Walega)
(updated 10:02 pm) LATEST FORECAST: Cliff Mass‘s late-night update suggests 2-4 inches most likely here. Still awaiting Nat’l Weather Service’s late-night take … (added) Here it is: They see maybe 4-8 inches over the city and are keeping warnings in place.

(updated 9:43 pm) CHANGES/CLOSURES FOR TONIGHT/TOMORROW: Seattle Public Schools will be CLOSED WEDNESDAY … Explorer West Middle School will be CLOSED WED. … Westside School will be CLOSED WED. … Holy Family School will be CLOSED WED. … Hope Lutheran School will be CLOSED WED. … South Seattle Community College closed at 4:30 pm today, evening events canceled … The city meeting at the ex-SW Community Center re: emergency preparedness is canceled … Sustainable West Seattle has postponed its forum/volunteer fair … Southwest Pool lessons canceled, according to a call received by a WSB’er … “Finding Kind” screening at Explorer West rescheduled for March 14th, 7 pm … PCC Cooks classes are canceled tonight and tomorrow … Seattle Municipal Court will be closed tomorrow … West Seattle Community Orchestras have canceled their rehearsals for tonight … Relay for Life-West Seattle has postponed its scheduled Wednesday night kickoff party … ArtsWest is canceling its WEDNESDAY night performance of “All Through the Night” (but TONIGHT is still on) … Anything else to add? Let us know!

(updated 8:32 pm) TRANSIT: Metro is staying on snow routing TFN. Its latest update includes this:

Due to the weather forecast for treacherous and impassable roadways, Metro is scaling back some service Wednesday to be able to operate the rest of its system safely and as reliably as possible. The routes scheduled to be canceled for Wednesday are: 2EX, 38, 42, 45, 46, 51, 53, 79, 114, 161, 162, 175, 192, 193, 197, 205, 210, 215, 216, 219, 224, 237, 251, 268, 277, 316, 355, and the Center Park Shuttle. Information about these Wednesday route cancellations will be added to Metro’s snow page after midnight tonight.

Metro also made a special point of saying it does not serve the 2nd/Columbia bus stop downtown while on snow routing. Use 3rd/Spring instead.

WEDNESDAY TRASH SERVICE? So far, Seattle Public Utilities says, they’re planning on it. They were planning on a normal pickup day today, and had also advised everyone who was missed yesterday to leave theirs out till end of day today.

More to come (till we launch a new late-night roundup).

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Seattle Public Schools is DISMISSING 2 HOURS EARLY, just announced, see separate story.)

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
No snow on the ground – at least where we are – but some is falling, off and on. Closures, changes, forecast updates:

(updated 10:42 am) FORECAST CHANGING? : Though a winter storm warning takes effect tonight, famous forecaster Cliff Mass has JUST updated his website, saying it’s scaling back, though still tough to tell. He was on KPLU Radio, saying basically the same thing. … Meantime, the National Weather Service’s midmorning “forecast discussion” is not quite so scaled-back, saying that they’re still expecting serious snow after midnight and that “5-10 inches” still looks plausible for Seattle.

(updated 12:46 pm) SCHOOL CHANGES/CLOSURES: Two new announcements: Seattle Public Schools is DISMISSING two hours early; Explorer West Middle School too.

(earlier) Seattle, Highline, Vashon districts are all opening two hours late. Explorer West Middle School and Our Lady of Guadalupe School open at 10 am. Westside School opens at 9:30 am … Community School of West Seattle, 1 hour late … Burien’s Kennedy HS is closed. More details in our ongoing list.

(updated 7:46 am) TRANSIT: Metro remains on snow routes. Route-by-route info here. Note: There are scattered reports of buses NOT taking snow routes, but they’re all SUPPOSED TO …

(updated 6:38 am) OTHER CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS: Downtown (etc.), King County Superior and District Courts are opening at 9:30 am. (King County updates are all here.) … As announced Monday, tonight’s West Seattle meeting to talk about the city emergency plan is canceled …

(updated 7:06 am) TRASH (ETC.) PICKUP: Just in from Seattle Public Utilities:

While some roads in Seattle may still be icy, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is advising customers to treat Tuesday as a normal day for garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste collection. But customers should note that collections may be restricted in hilly locations.

Please put your garbage, recycling, and food/yard waste out by 7 a.m. to ensure pickup. If your collection is missed, please leave your materials out for one more day. If your materials still have not been collected by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, please put them out on your next regularly scheduled pickup day.

For Customers Who Were Missed Yesterday: Customers, who were missed yesterday, January 16, should set out their materials today for pickup. If your material is not picked up today, set it out on your next regularly scheduled pickup day.

Missed customers will be allowed to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling and yard waste at no additional charge.

(added 7:49 am) COMCAST OUTAGE: We’ve had three reports via Twitter of trouble in Gatewood. One says they called it in and were told it’s a priority, they’re “working on it.”

The weather experts have warned that this is tricky to predict – but the National Weather Service is out with its 9:30 pm forecast discussion, and also mentions the “model” that suggests it could stay snowy in the city till Friday. Read it here. As for tonight/tomorrow, snow showers are still expected, the forecast says, and that could mean you get up to a little new snow on the ground.

More snow fun today – and a few holdover photos from Sunday – so we’re putting together this roundup. First two photos are by Doug Branch; that’s Holly and Simba (enjoying his FIRST snow) above, and Nick, below, in Seaview:

We’ve received more snow-creation photos too – Steve Fredrickson was on his way to Bartell Drugs in Admiral, he tells us, when he caught sight of this biker snowman on Admiral near 38th:

That’s a “Sons of Anarchy” vest, by the way. In a holdover photo from Sunday night, Rod Moody shares his snowman photo:

Sadly, someone knocked it down overnight, he reports. Another holdover – Norman’s take on the West Seattle version of Easter Island:

From the WSB Flickr group pool – continuing the tropical/wintry contrast – Kristina Noir found flamingos in the snow:

Paul Swortz was out on Alki on Sunday – and says Groot McCann, creator of Cooper’s Pack, was too!

Not all the snow creations are characters – we’ve got an igloo here, photographed by Edgar:

And a snow fort of sorts at Hiawatha last night, discovered by Clove Burt:

Now, a pet photo! From the Borrells – thanks!

In addition to fun and scenic photos, informational photos – road conditions, etc. – are also incredibly helpful once the snow returns, so we appreciate your help, so other WSB’ers can see what things are like where you are. editor@westseattleblog.com – also on Facebook, be sure you have “liked” WSB at facebook.com/westseattleblog – on Twitter, twitter.com/westseattleblog – and on Flickr, here.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This story will stay atop the home page through the evening, but we’lll be adding new stories, snow and non-snow, beneath it – scroll down!)

(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
2:30 PM: Here’s where things stand as the afternoon commute, for those who weren’t off on this MLK Day, approaches:

–Main roads in West Seattle are in great shape.
–Bridge, Viaduct the same.
–Side roads may still have spotty problems, though one of our nearest offenders is almost as bare and wet as the nearest arterial.
If you encounter a road problem, please advise (comment, or text/call 206-293-6302) so we can share the news.

In the forecast department – we appear to be in the calm between the storms. We’ve had some flurries today but no real added accumulation. (The sun is even peeking through as we write this.) The chance of snow showers remains in the forecast through the night – maybe good for another inch or so, maybe not. The forecasters are continuing to warn that a BIG round of snow may be on the way for tomorrow night/Wednesday – see the “winter storm watch.”

More to come. And new photos welcome, too – we’ll be creating a spot for them a little later this afternoon. (If you’re looking for our morning/midday coverage – including today’s closures – go here.)

4:53 PM: So far a trouble-free commute by all accounts. And the city is clearly gearing up for tonight and beyond – a de-icer truck just stopped in front of WSB HQ (we ran out with a camera; he says he’s assigned to “high hills and bridges”), while a snowplow headed by on the nearest arterial. Commenters are discussing the situation with school tomorrow; we’ll publish any announcements we get as soon as they come in, private as well as public. Metro just reiterated that it’s on snow routing TFN. No trash pickup today? As noted in our morning report, Seattle Public Utilities had said they would have trouble in “hilly” locations; Waste Management said their crews were running two hours late. We are watching for any school-closure reports for tomorrow – please let us know if you hear of any we haven’t reported. Seattle Public Schools notes that they typically decide by 5:30 am.

5:37 PM: Here’s the Weather Service’s infographic for tonight into tomorrow – we’re in the “1 to 3 inches possible” zone.

5:51 PM: Just out of the inbox, the city’s words of warning:

SEATTLE – With weather forecasts predicting significant accumulations of snow in Seattle, Mayor Mike McGinn urged residents to be prepared for a series of winter storms over the next few days. The National Weather Service predicts lowland areas, including Seattle, could get three to seven inches of snow through Tuesday morning. They are also forecasting the possibility of another six to 12 inches of snow over the lowlands on Wednesday.

“With the possibility of significant snowfall, we are urging residents to be prepared,” said McGinn. “The Seattle Department of Transportation is treating major streets around the clock, our Emergency Operations Center is activated and other city departments are taking readiness steps. The public should get ready as well, making sure they have needed supplies in the event we do get a lot of snow.”

The City of Seattle also recommends that residents:

· Consider options now for travel, staying off the roads if possible.
· Move cars off streets, if possible, to aid with snow removal.
· Check on neighbors, especially the vulnerable.
· Wrap pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent ruptured pipes and flooding inside homes.
· Turn faucets to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
· Be careful how they choose to heat or light their homes. Open flames and unattended candles are dangerous. Do not bring open stoves or gas grills inside as the fumes can be poisonous and deadly.
· Find and clear street storm drains. Snow followed by rain can clog drains and cause flooding.
· Have coats, hats, gloves and blankets at hand to stay warm during possible power outages.
· Bring pets indoors.
· Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice covered surfaces.

We have some driving advice, meantime, from WSB sponsors West Seattle Autoworks, via Facebook. Among them: Use lower transmission gears to go downhill more slowly. (Slow driving – slow and steady – can get you through a precarious situation.)

6:43 PM: Looking for today’s fun snow photos? Find them here. (And we’re still adding more.) And as we typed that – snow started falling again.

(AFTERNOON COVERAGE can be found here)

ROADS/TRAFFIC:
We’re tracking road conditions and anything else of note over the next few hours. For starters, SDOT says via Twitter the West Seattle Bridge and Alaskan Way Viaduct are “bare and wet.” In an earlier comment thread, SSF says 35th SW is OK this morning: “I live on 35th by Camp Long. People are flying by on 35th like it’s no different than any other day.” Highland Park Way and Admiral are reported to be OK.

As SSF also notes, side streets are NOT plowed/salted by the city, so getting to the arterial(s) will be the biggest challenge. Let us know what you’re seeing if you have to be out there today. Above is the latest image from one of the bridge cams; you’ll find more nearby cams on the WSB Traffic page.

(8:10 am note) So far, no notable road problems reported in our area. The “arterials good, side streets and sidewalks the big challenge” has held true in every report we’ve received.

TRANSIT:
Metro is on snow routes (find them here) and “reduced weekday service.”
No Water Taxi today (holiday plan, not snow-related)

CHANGES/CLOSURES (updated 2:11 pm):
Nature Consortium is canceling its MLK Day of Service volunteer work party
Bright Horizons West Seattle is opening two hours late
Dr. Suzanne Fiala’s medical office closed
West Seattle Tool Library‘s “indoor winter gardening” class postponed
Kathy’s School of Dance has a “classes canceled” phone message
Little Gym of West Seattle has canceled today’s classes
The disaster-preparedness community meeting Tuesday night at the former Southwest Community Center is canceled
(Any others? editor@westseattleblog.com – we’ll keep adding)

FORECAST/OTHER WEATHER NEWS (updated 10:07 am):
A Winter Storm Watch is up for Wednesday (see it here), with the National Weather Service warning of the POSSIBILITY of a “significant snow event.” As for today – there’s an ongoing chance of snow showers. Highs are expected in the mid- to upper 30s.

As of 10:07 am, light snow is falling in West Seattle – we’ve had reports from Admiral to Arbor Heights.

TRASH PICKUP:
Seattle Public Utilities says it’s a normal day BUT “customers should note that collections will be restricted in hilly locations.”

HOLIDAY NOTES (added 9:04 am):
*Free parking in neighborhoods with city pay stations/meters
*Seattle Public Library facilities closed
*Liquor stores open 10 am-7 pm

TREE TROUBLE (added 11:15 am):
Thanks to Anne for this photo from outside Schmitz Park Elementary:

SLEDDING (added 1:42 pm)

On SW Spokane by Madison Middle School – thanks to Brian Presser of TouchTech Systems for the video.