West Seattle, Washington
23 Tuesday
Missed trash/recycling pickup this week? Seattle Public Utilities just sent out the word on how things will work when “normal service” returns on Monday:Read More
Thanks to K for the afternoon view from Constellation Park via iPhone – note the kayaker at the center of the frame. (Perhaps Mark, featured here 4 weeks ago?) *Added* More than one – Danny McMillin shares this photo from the same area:
The breezy weather will continue. The newest forecast says tonight won’t be as wake-you-up gusty as last night – though tomorrow might be close. No alerts, so far, however, and we also haven’t heard or seen any major damage from last night’s round of wind.
Meet the Flying Eagles, who are hoping you can and will help with this tomorrow:
Title: Baby Drive at PCC Sunday 11:00-12:30
Sunday 1/22/12 11:00 am-12:30 pm
West Seattle PCC
Baby DriveThe Flying Eagles Camp Fire Group is doing a Baby Drive collecting items for South Park’s Providence Regina House food bank.
We are collecting:
Infant Food
Formula
Diapers size 1-5We will also accept new or gently used baby clothes, toys & board books. The kids will participate in handing out baby food at the food bank’s monthly Baby Cupboard Day which serves about 130 babies! [Note: We are not collecting any actual babies at this time.]
From Bob:
2 cars were broken into at Fire Station 11’s (16th Avenue SW & SW Holden Street) secured parking lot sometime late Friday night/early Saturday morning. Unnamed articles were taken and some were found across the alley. SPD was notified and a report was taken.
(Added 11:20 am: Early-early-morning Constellation Park waves, by Kenna Klosterman)
FORECAST: The wind advisory has officially expired. The National Weather Service says it’ll still be “blustery” but not serious enough for an alert. Showers and highs in the mid-40s. No West Seattle power outages, either; in the middle of the night, there was one very small outage on the map near Alki Point, but that appears to have been resolved.
CLOSURES/CHANGES: Still a few. West Seattle Golf Course is closed (per Facebook). Community School of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) has postponed today’s open house till February 4th. Marination Mobile canceled its regular Saturday visit. Otherwise, as far as we know, what’s on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar for today IS still on – check it out here; tomorrow we will resume our daily morning previews of each day’s highlights.
‘MOUNT COSTCO’: Kathleen e-mailed the photo of the giant snow mound in the Costco parking lot on 4th, for those thinking about making the bulk-buying run from West Seattle. She says the parking traffic jam is about that big too.
ORIGINAL 8:31 AM REPORT: Just got a call from White Center Food Bank volunteer coordinator Audrey Zemke. They suddenly need up to seven people to help hand out food today, 10 am-1 pm, because the volunteers who were coming canceled at the last minute. Please call 206-762-2848 ASAP if you can help.
9:37 AM UPDATE: Audrey says they’ve got all the help they need now – THANK YOU.
3:23 AM: The National Weather Service‘s “wind advisory” officially took effect at midnight – and as of just before 3 am, the wind has arrived. The NWS says we may see gusts up to 45 mph; at 3 am, the Sea-Tac weather station recorded gusts just under 40. It’s all expected to calm down by late morning.
ADDED 4:10 AM: Metro is back on regular routing.
ADDED 7:38 AM: The city has changed its mind – NO residential solid-waste pickup today. (Details here.)
We’ve been working to update the WSB West Seattle Events calendar, to catch up with changes and postponements that happened during Winterstormapalooza 2012. (Substitute your favorite storm name; we’re trying to think of a hybrid that covers both the snow and ice.) And we’re getting a few notes about events that ARE definitely still on for TOMORROW. Here are three, for starters:
REMODELING/CUSTOM HOMEBUILDING WORKSHOP: Anne at Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) says this is still on for tomorrow. Free workshop, with construction and design experts on hand, no obligation, 2 pm at Ventana HQ, 5458 California SW. RSVP to office@ventanabuilds.com.
LACROSSE: Organizers of this free clinic also e-mailed to say it’s still on.
The Seattle Metropolitan Youth Lacrosse Association, in conjunction with Supersonics Lacrosse, is holding a free lacrosse Clinic on Saturday January 21st from 10am to 1:00 pm at Chief Sealth Stadium.
When: Saturday, January 21st from 10 am-1 pm
Where: Turf Field at the Sealth Complex (Across the street from Chief Sealth International High School)
Who: 2nd to 8th grade boys and girls
What: Learn to play lacrosse, beginners welcome.Contact: Scott Pattison
Phone: 206-979-0167
E-mail: SupersonicsLacrosse@gmail.com
MUSIC/ART: This came in during the height of the storm:
Come celebrate the arts during a live-music art show opening Saturday, Jan. 21 at Skylark Cafe & Club in West Seattle. The party begins at 7 p.m., music at 9 p.m. with special guests The Fuzz, The Navins and If Bears Were Bees. The art show, which features photographs documenting the Seattle music scene, runs through Feb. 27.
Anything else definitely ON for tomorrow? E-mail us or post a comment so we know for sure. Thanks!
Judging by the city’s online “incident-response” map, the snow and ice kept most burglars home. But the latest West Seattle Crime Watch reports indicate thieves haven’t taken time off. They did take a unique sled, as Lynda reports:
I wanted to get word out that our sled was stolen from in front of A Terrible Beauty (Wednesday) night between 6:30 and 7:00. It is not an ordinary sled. This is a beautiful, custom, handcrafted wooden box sled that my husband built about 20 years ago. It’s a one of a kind and we had gotten numerous compliments on it all day yesterday. We are crushed that someone would have taken this, it has so much sentimental value. We are offering a reward for the return of this family treasure.
She is checking for a photo, which we’ll add if and when we receive one. One more theft report – this one, from Erin in Seaview:
At 3 pm today we had our mail stolen out of our mailbox by a couple in a dark-colored Subaru outback with a light panel on the bottom. The license plate was 273-H_W … They backed into our driveway and the female passenger got out and took the mail. She was wearing a white puffer jacket. They have been reported to police. If you have seen them or have had your mail stolen today too, let me know. We are in the Seaview area near the church.
(NEW WEATHER ALERT: Wind advisory in effect starting at midnight)
(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
12:50 PM: Just back from touring part of the peninsula, tweeting photos along the way.
(Looking south on 35th from Myrtle Reservoir Park vicinity)
The weather is dicier now than earlier – fog has rolled in (at least on the south side), and the rain continues to slushify the snow/ice – with some of the latter now coming off trees, cars, etc. in chunks and sheets. Just happened to us as we stopped on a downhill to turn – what had been frozen solid on the car roof suddenly slid down onto the windshield. And we just heard the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is closed because ice is coming off the cables. So be mindful of new (albeit temporary) hazards. Afternoon notes, ahead.
12:58 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools has announced that next Friday will be the first snow make-up day (was supposed to be a no-classes day).
1:31 PM UPDATE: Darren sent the photo with word a tree took out a wire near 34th/Findlay on the north side of High Point. No outage associated with that, according to the City Light system-status map, but the possibility continues to loom throughout the afternoon as chunks of ice keep falling off roofs, trees, poles, etc. (we just heard another mighty “thud” on the side of WSB HQ). The forecast hasn’t changed – rain, warming temperatures, and the wind picking up later.
2 PM UPDATE: Still a good idea to avoid non-arterial hills. Like Yancy (off Avalon, by WSB sponsor Stor-More), as Judy‘s photo shows. And if you really haven’t seen those windshield/car ice sheets yourself – they have an artistic application too, seen in this photo Brewster took in the Admiral District:
P.S. Puget Sound Blood Center has said they’re running way low because of the snow. If you are able to donate, please let ’em know.
4:23 PM UPDATE: Trouble near Jefferson Square:
Mike says that Safeway truck is currently blocking 41st SW on the center’s east side. We also received a note from Martha warning about the condition of the parking lot inside the center: “No plowing, no drains have been cleared, standing water is a good 4-6″ deep, shopping carts cannot be maneuvered…” She says she complained to center management, but no response. And now a WIND ADVISORY is in effect, starting at midnight tonight – we had mentioned earlier that the forecast mentioned the possibility of wind but it’s been upgraded to an alert.
4:51 PM UPDATE: Metro issues the reminder that it’s on snow routing at least through the end of today, but hoping to start returning to normal operations over the weekend. Meanwhile, it’s getting dark fast, and if you haven’t taken a look recently at your sidewalk/storm drain, you might go out one more time (assuming you’re home) – Jeff sends this photo from 48th/Edmunds west of The Junction, where he says he is trying to stay ahead of “Slush-mageddon”:
After 6 pm or so, we’re planning go back to a more normal story flow, and the weather coverage will not necessarily be atop the main WSB page unless something major is happening. However, important notes (like the Wind Advisory) will be linked from the BIG STORIES list on the sidebar.
5:10 PM UPDATE: Traffic advisory in comments – lots of ferry traffic on Fauntleroy Way, and the slush/snow on the roadside is forcing it into the street. Here’s a webcam at Cloverdale:
We’re thinking Southworth-bound ferry traffic might be up because the Tacoma Narrows Bridge remains closed following the earlier problems with falling ice. (Added: Via Twitter, Maggie points us to the WSF Bulletin saying exactly that – longer waits on Southworth/Bremerton runs from this side.)
7:04 PM UPDATE: Thanks to Kirsten for this photo of the backup last hour at Fauntleroy/Myrtle:
We were out in that time frame traveling between Fauntleroy and The Junction, and lots of people are out and about. The complications include the fact the parking “lanes” alongside even the otherwise-cleared arterials are still full of slush, half-melted ice, and puddling. Good news is, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge’s center lanes have reopened, so the backup should start to … well, melt away.
10 PM: Desiree says the drama of two semis stuck in the vicinity of the east side of Jefferson Square continues. Another tow truck just showed up for the stuck Safeway semi:
Newest update 10:52 am – here’s what we’re hearing today:
ORGANIZATIONS/FACILITIES
West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor):
West Seattle Y Facility is open.
Fauntleroy Y Facility is open.
Some classes running at each locations.
Expect Family Programs 9am – Noon at West Seattle.
West Seattle Golf Course closed
BUSINESSES:
Young At Art in The Junction opening at 10 am
Giannoni’s Pizza in Westwood opening at noon and will offer a free cheese slice with food purchases
The Little Gym of West Seattle closed
Fleurt closed
SERVICES
No Seattle Public Utilities trash (etc.) pickup. Otherwise, they’re on one-day delay – if you have Friday pickup, put yours out TOMORROW.
(TOPLINES: Metro still on snow routing … school closure list here … other changes/closures listed here)
(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! The great warmup appears to be under way, with the Boeing Field temp up to 34 degrees at the top of the hour. Morning traffic/weather updates to come, and thanks again for sharing firsthand road reports – whether you’ve traveled it yourself, or can just see it from your home. Almost all schools are closed; no trash/recycling pickups today (if you were missed this week, the city says you can put out double on your regular day next week at no extra charge – but if you are a Friday customer, put it out tomorrow); and there’s one big city request: Clear your storm drain to prevent flooding as this all melts off and new rain arrives.
6:51 AM UPDATE: In comments, Tony provides the first road-condition report: 35th to the West Seattle Bridge to the 4th Avenue exit: “Bare and wet.” Metro buses ARE still on snow routing but warns that could change as conditions improve, so check before you go.
7:13 AM UPDATE: TV report just now from our friends at KING 5 issues a reminder that’ll be valid for much of the day: The melt-off comes with ice/slush sliding off roofs, branches falling off trees, and other new risks to be aware of. We’re starting a “non-school changes/closures” list again today – for one, the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) facilities ARE OPEN – here’s the list; please let us know if you have info to add.
7:25 AM UPDATE: Traffic alert – Jason tweets that a tree is down across one lane of Marine View Drive heading northbound downhill toward Fauntleroy.
7:52 AM UPDATE: From Twitter – a short SOUTHBOUND closure in the Battery Street Tunnel coming up: “SDOT to close southbound lanes of Battery St Tunnel to clear icicles. Will start at 8 AM, end around 8:15. NB lanes not impacted.”
8:19 AM UPDATE: Just went out for that photo looking toward northbound California SW from Thistle. Both are arterials, both plowed to the pavement. The melt-off is quite easy to hear, and see, outside. But the snow underfoot won’t go away immediately, since it included the layer of ice from yesterday morning’s storm.
8:29 AM UPDATE: The Battery Street Tunnel work is done, SDOT says. New problem: Northbound I-5 ramp to the West Seattle Bridge is blocked by a spun-out car.
9:04 AM UPDATE: The I-5 ramp problem is cleared. Speaking of clearing – above, that’s the storm drain near our corner. Some kind soul has already cleared it. The city (as mentioned earlier) is begging everybody to do the same.
10:18 AM UPDATE: The forecast is still suggesting more rain later, and potentially some wind late tonight into tomorrow. (added) P.S. From the WSB Forums, another reading alternative if you’re getting bored with the weather narrative here (we HAVE reported some non-weather stories this week – see the sidebar), read the story of the West Seattleite seen on TV and WSDOT cameras this morning in the I-5 ramp spinout. Meantime, we’re heading out to check on what’s happening around the peninsula.
(Stacy‘s snow sculpture on Pigeon Point, photographed by Mark)
11:04 PM: All the weather info we’ve heard/seen so far suggests what you see out your window now will still be there in the morning. How long till it melts? Estimates vary. Meantime, most students are off again tomorrow (the closure list is here) and Metro plans to at least start the day on snow routes. Others have it rougher than us – a quarter-million people without power elsewhere in Western Washington, but only a handful in West Seattle, from two tiny outages in Genesee and Westwood.
11:21 PM UPDATE: A big addition to the closure list for Friday – South Seattle Community College. We will collect business/organization/facility closures again for one more day, so please let us know about any of those, too.
Almost two years after a gray whale stranded and died off southwesternmost West Seattle, in The Arroyos (WSB coverage here), its legacy lives on in a multitude of ways. Here are updates on two. Above, Highline Community College‘s MaST Center is closer to displaying the whale’s skeleton; they hope to finish assembling it (a process that’s been under way in Tacoma) in time for a celebration in March. The recent photo of the assembly process was shared by Rus Higley from MaST.
Second – the Arroyos whale plays a bit part of sorts in a movie opening next month:
(Publicity photo, courtesy Universal Pictures)
“Big Miracle” is the new title for the Drew Barrymore movie about the effort in 1988 to rescue gray whales trapped in Arctic waters. The Los Angeles-based special-effects company that worked on the film, Rhythm and Hues, purchased high-resolution photos of the Arroyos whale from longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli, using them, he explains,”as a source for their computer-generated whale textures.” So now you know, there’s a little bit of West Seattle in the movie that hits theaters February 3rd.
(From the “design proposal” packet for the project’s Design Review Board meeting)
Once again tonight, we’re squeezing in a few non-weather stories before what’s likely to be one final (for now) round of overnight/morning coverage. The six-story, 120-apartment building planned at 3261 SW Avalon Way has won final approval for its land-use permit. The decision (read it here) was published in today’s city Land Use Information Bulletin. The project passed Design Review in July and November (here’s the final report), but this is the city Department of Planning and Development‘s final word, pending a two-week window for any appeal to be filed (here’s how). You can watch the permit toplines for the project on the city website, here.
(LINKS: Friday school closures already coming in … Winter Weather Advisory till 4 am … Ongoing list of business/etc. closures/changes here … Morning coverage/comments, here)
(Photo by Meredith, looking cityward from the bridge over Fairmount Ravine)
1:24 PM: It’s a freezing rain/snow mix here right now. Afternoon updates are below. Thanks yet again to everyone for sharing photos, road reports, business closed/open updates, everything else to help your West Seattle neighbors through day two of weather woes!
(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
1:44 PM UPDATE: Waiting to see if the National Weather Service will extend the “ice storm warning” past 2 pm, since this doesn’t appear likely to end any time soon. At noon, weather analyst Cliff Mass predicted at least several more hours, and explained why this wasn’t foreseen till it was almost upon us.
2:05 PM UPDATE: Definitely snow out there now. Traffic alert: SDOT says a crash in the northbound 99 lanes at the Battery St. Tunnel has those lanes all CLOSED. From the city emergency-ops center:
With ice and snow continuing to cause challenging travel conditions, the City of Seattle is encouraging people to get home before dark if possible. After dark, icy conditions may worsen and ice will become more difficult to see. Pedestrians should exercise caution – many sidewalks are icy, and there is danger of falling ice from trees, buildings and power lines.
Residents are discouraged from all but essential travel to help keep roads open and safe for emergency vehicles, transit and snow removal. Streets may appear bare and wet but may be covered with ice, which will be difficult to see after dark. Ice accumulation could lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches, a danger for both drivers and pedestrians.
The National Weather Service has now switched our area to a Winter Weather Advisory (read it here) – which insists that it will warm up late tonight and all this will end.
2:47 PM UPDATE: Still snowing steadily and in the “new accumulation” category. We’ve received official word that the fire-relief benefits for Teri Ensley and Furry Faces Foundation tonight ARE POSTPONED. They’ve just settled on the date – Sunday the 22nd. … Road-condition report: Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) between The Junction and Morgan Junction took this photo after plowing/sanding crew went by a little while ago:
3:33 PM UPDATE: Josh sent this photo of the thick sheet of ice cleared off his wife’s car:
Co-publisher Patrick had the same results when he went out to make sure at least one of the official WSB vehicles is in ready-to-go mode if news breaks – almost an inch of ice. If your car has been parked outside your workplace etc. all day, you’ll need time to get it ready to go.
3:44 PM: “Wires down” call in South Delridge. Reportedly involving a tree, according to scanner traffic. … SDOT says (via FB) they are “utilizing truck drivers from a sister department and equipment from a vendor to augment resources for snow response.” … Another addition to our list of closures/changes – Pagliacci says it’s too dangerous to send delivery drivers out.
4:07 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools just announced they’re closed Friday. (They have not announced official make-up-day plans, for those who have asked.) … Holy Rosary and Westside School, too. We’ll update the school-closure page momentarily. … Metro also says it will continue on snow routing tomorrow.
4:27 PM UPDATE: Vashon Island School District latest to announce it’s closed tomorrow.(added) Seattle Public Schools has added some info about their decisionmaking process re: makeup days:
Next Tuesday, Jan. 24 is a three-hour early dismissal from schools because of a scheduled furlough day. That day cannot be used as a snow make-up day. District administration will determine tomorrow if Friday, Jan. 27 – a scheduled day off for professional development – can be used as a snow make-up day.
And we’ve also heard from Explorer West Middle School, they’ll close. Here’s where we’re updating the FRIDAY school-closure list.
5:21 PM UPDATE: Highline Public Schools is now on the closure list too. Meantime, we’ve heard from some area restaurants that ARE open tomorrow. We appreciate hearing directly – e-mail, comments, Facebook, Twitter – so here’s who says they’re open: Kokoras Greek Grill, La Rustica, Skylark, Blackboard Bistro, Terrible Beauty, Cactus on Alki. Also have seen mentions by Feedback Lounge, Locol, West 5, that they’re open and serving food. (Added: Proletariat Pizza, Zippy’s Giant Burgers, Circa.) But only if you can get there safely! Traffic alert: 1st Avenue South and S. Dakota Street, there’s a serious crash (rollover) – heard it on the scanner, and it’s affecting traffic in that area. … Got a note from Fairmount Park saying they haven’t had mail delivery in 2 days. Anyone else?
6:15 PM: The 1st/Dakota crash is cleared, per SDOT. There’s helpful info, meanwhile, in this update from King County – please especially take the part about checking on older/sick neighbors to heart. Re: the outage advice, we have had almost no trouble with that here – but things could change as the weather changes later tonight:
King County would like residents to keep four main points in mind overnight tonight and into the morning hours:
1) Residents must avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping grills and generators outside.
2) Only call 9-1-1 if you need immediate help from police, fire, or medics. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report power outages or road conditions.
3) Stay indoors and away from ice covered trees and power lines to avoid hazards from falling debris.
4) Shelters and warming centers are available throughout the county.1. Carbon monoxide warnings
You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but carbon monoxide poisoning can kill. Follow these tips to avoid accidental injury or death from carbon monoxide during a power outage or at any other time:
Only use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and vents.
Never use a generator or portable propane heater indoors, in garages or carports.
Never cook or heat inside on a charcoal or gas grill.Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen suddenly and without warning. Physical symptoms may include splitting headache, nausea and vomiting, and lethargy and fatigue.
If you believe you could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Call for medical help from a neighbor’s home. The Fire Department will tell you when it is safe to re-enter your home.
If you have a power outage, use safe ways to stay warm. Find places where you can go to get warm, such as the home of friends and family with power. Many cities have opened centers where people can go during the day to stay warm. Center locations can be found at http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare
Wear several layers of light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear hats, mittens, and blankets indoors. Close curtains and cover windows and doors with blankets. Everyone should try to stay together in one room, with the door closed, to keep in body heat.
Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they are elderly or if you think their power might be out. If you know someone who has lost electricity, invite them to your home to stay warm. Warn neighbors, friends, family and community groups about carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep 9-1-1 clear for emergencies
King County is currently experiencing a high volume of 9-1-1 calls that do not consist of actual emergencies. Only call 9-1-1 if you need immediate help from police, fire, or medics. DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report power outages or road conditions.
Now to change the mood – thanks to whomever (on 51st SW, is all we saw) texted this photo:
6:46 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Library says the system will open at 1 pm tomorrow.
8:05 PM UPDATE: Just added more photos to the “snow-bird” gallery, and we’re working on a few other things to publish before the overnight weather story, including a gallery with the day’s “fun” pix. First, an update from the city, starting with words of thanks from the mayor:
“Everyone has had a hand in helping respond to this winter storm,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “I want to thank city employees who are working around the clock, residents who are making smart travel choices and helping their neighbors, and the media for the great job they’re doing keeping the community informed and sharing safety information.”
According to Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) reports, traffic volumes were significantly down in the city Wednesday and Thursday. For instance, the morning peak commute around the 8 a.m. hour southbound on the Aurora Bridge dropped from about 4,300 vehicle trips per hour to around 600 trips.
SDOT crews will be working through the night to remove snow and ice on major arterials and apply anti-icing solution.
(YET MORE PHOTOS ADDED EARLY FRIDAY!)
When we mentioned receiving so many bird photos during the snow/ice storm that they seemed to merit their own gallery, that drew some positive response – so we’re launching it now, between morning/afternoon coverage, and will continue adding to it. Top photo is Mark Wangerin‘s male Anna’s Hummingbird; next, a beautiful owl whose photo was tweeted by Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) last night:
Beautiful – and of course the bigger birds can be deadly too. Sherman’s Corner posted this next one on Facebook, looking to ID this bird that suddenly swooped down and killed a pigeon in the back yard:
Taught well by WSB birders, we guessed Cooper’s Hawk. Were we correct?
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: Suzanne has shared some wonderful photos. First one we’re featuring – a flicker (type of woodpecker, if you didn’t already know that):
Danny McMillin photographed this bald eagle on Monday near Alki Point:
On our snowy Sunday (seems so long ago!), Satom photographed Steller’s Jays with blooming witch hazel (thanks to Toni Reineke for forwarding the photo):
These crows were photographed by Emily Austin:
And here, courtesy of Mark Dale, is an American Robin:
AND MORE: Many hummingbirds. From Monica and Lisa:
Another bird from Mark Wangerin – this time a spotted towhee:
Plus one more from Suzanne, a fox sparrow:
Christina says her Khaki Campbell ducks were not pleased by the weather:
13-year-old Helen caught a group of robins:
Katie declared these to be robin tracks:
And we’re going to end with a bird-related sight: Beautifully iced chicken wire, from Brian Allen:
Thanks AGAIN to everyone who has shared photos, of birds and kids and iced plant stems and stuck buses and snowpeople and so much more. Sorry we couldn’t publish every single one … but don’t stop!
(TOPLINES: Ice-storm warning extended till 2 pm … Non-school closures/changes, including all libraries & Seattle Parks facilities, here … Keep scrolling down for frequent updates; we’ll launch afternoon coverage by 1 pm)
(Latest bridge and Viaduct views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
An “ice storm warning” is this morning’s big news so far – with more freezing rain, resulting in conditions more dangerous than “just snow.” Here’s the National Weather Service warning.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Once again today, just about every school is closed; South Seattle Community College has made its announcement too. Here’s the list.
OTHER CLOSURES/CHANGES: Seattle Public Library has announced its facilities are all closed because of the weather. Sea-Tac Airport is reporting delays. Seattle Public Utilities says NO residential pickup, limited commercial pickup. We’ll continue adding other government/business/etc. closures/changes to this list as we get them.
TRANSIT: Metro is again chained up and on snow routes with some cancellations – check here.
ONGOING UPDATES – STARTING AT 6:46 AM: In comments on the overnight roundup, “Smokey Cretin” has words of warning: You might have a LOT of ice on your windshield – and don’t do anything drastic like dumping hot water on it, “unless you want to buy a new windshield.” But the top-level advice is beyond that – PLEASE stay home if you possibly can. There’s no official word so far of road closures, but we’re monitoring all public communications channels, and things COULD change fast.
7:11 AM UPDATE: In comments, LyndaB reports the bridge was “slushy” this past hour but OK. Power outages could be a problem if too much ice builds up on lines – so if anything you really need isn’t fully charged, you might consider plugging it in before it’s too late. Just announced – no residential trash (etc.) pickup in Seattle today.
7:51 AM UPDATE: Crews are going to a reported downed/burning tree in far southeast WS, possibly related to power wires. No word of outages in our area (we’re watching the map) but lots of flickers.
8:11 AM UPDATE: Just ventured briefly outside. Serious ice on vehicles. Everything crunchy underfoot. You can hear the freezing rain as it falls. Windshield photo above (THICK ice, on car hood too). Video:
Listen to the crunch of the snow – and if you listen close, the freezing rain falling. Toward the end of the minute-long clip, you can see the ice coating plant stems.
8:37 AM UPDATE: On KING 5 just now, SDOT’s Rick Sheridan told Tracy Taylor that they have one plow devoted EXCLUSIVELY to the high bridge – no major problems reported currently either there or on the Alaskan Way Viaduct. (See live cams above.)
9:20 AM UPDATE: Just heard Linda from Metro mention “significant delays” for buses in some areas – another good reason not to go out if you don’t have to. ALSO – Seattle Parks has just announced, community centers/pools are closed today.
9:58 AM UPDATE: Bus stuck in the 4700 block of 35th SW per scanner, and other traffic may not be able to get around it. Continuing to add to the changes/closures list – Seattle Chinese Garden is the latest – adding businesses too. That includes restaurants. One restaurant is trying something inventive – via Facebook, Tuscan Tea Room Bistro in The Junction says that while its cooks are stuck and can’t come in, they’re offering free pots of tea 11 am-3 pm. (Tea-accompanying treats will cost you, of course, but the tea is free.) Meantime, Mike Jensen sent this photo of a downed tree in his Seaview-area neighborhood:
Tree damage is a distinct hazard in ice storms, as branches get weighed down – if you have to be outside, be very careful, for trouble above as well as underfoot!
10:12 AM UPDATE: Ice-storm warning extended till 2 pm. Metro bus trouble in at least two spots – stuck buses reported on 35th by The Mount (via scanner) and on California SW heading up Gatewood hill (via e-mail). (added) Twitter also reveals one stuck on 35th near Morgan.
11:11 AM UPDATE: And Tami sends the shot of bus trouble at 35th/Roxbury. We also have a general road-condition photo courtesy of Kate, on California SW looking south from Spokane:
Also some ice photos coming in, like this one from Diane in Westwood:
If you’re waiting for updates on Sea-Tac after the morning runway closures – KING 5 just reported a second runway is now open.
11:57 AM UPDATE: In the next hour or so, we will launch afternoon coverage, but this’ll keep going till then. We’re also working on the “snow bird” gallery, thanks for the photos! Also still adding to non-school closure/change list, hearing from more businesses and organizations – latest, ArtsWest canceling tonight’s show.
1:19 PM: Just started the snow bird gallery. Afternoon coverage next. Buses stuck on 35th in various spots – that’s the latest trouble we’ve heard of. And it seems to be a little more SNOW than frozen rain here in Upper Fauntleroy right now …
What you see glistening in the streetlight on the silhouetted rosebush and escallonia is what will likely make tomorrow morning dicier than today – a coating of ice, courtesy of the freezing rain that followed today’s snow. The National Weather Service expects that “rain” to end soon – just a chance of a little more snow in the forecast – but the temperature’s below freezing and that means no melt-off yet. Be careful especially on your front steps and sidewalk, even if you have a great helper like 6-year-old Zach:
Throughout the night, we have been adding to the list of school closures for tomorrow – so far, almost everyone has made their announcement already. Still awaiting South Seattle Community College, which says it’ll decide by 5 am. And we’ll likely hear in the morning from Tilden School (WSB sponsor), perhaps the only school in West Seattle open today (and recess was sure fun)!
We also have some non-school closures/cancellations for tomorrow on a separate list – businesses, organizations, etc., please let us know so we can share.
For transit, Metro continues on snow routes. But here’s hoping you can stay home, or close to home, and enjoy sights like the Longfellow Creek “fishbone” bridge, photographed by LK:
… and the Alki Statue of Liberty, which faced into the north wind and seaspray today, as shown in David Hutchinson‘s photo:
P.S. We have yet another wave of photos still to be added to today’s gallery in the next hour or so – check back!
Greg Daly just shared that video of his skiing adventure today from the highest point in Seattle – Myrtle Reservoir Park, 520 feet above sea level – down to the water, at Lowman Beach Park. He’s not the first to do it – after Snowmare 2008, we learned of a group who made the same trip twice – but Greg’s the only one we’ve heard about this time around!
The only public meeting not canceled last night was the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, which proceeded with its usual agenda of crime-trend updates from Southwest Precinct leadership, followed by a guest speaker.
Operations Lt. Pierre Davis summarized the wave of burglaries that “hit hard” in West Seattle toward the end of 2011 – and the 17 arrests (as of last week) that he said have made a a dent in the trend. He says regional agencies connected it all to a “burglary ring” that had been working in South King County as well as Seattle (and not just WS), possibly even Portland. The resulting (albeit temporary) explosion in burglaries was so big at one point, he said, that in the first week of December, there were 25 burglaries in this area – but by the first week of January, that was down to five, closer to the usual average. Lt. Davis said arrests were possible largely thanks to good evidence and good witness descriptions – which led to another reminder, if you see something suspicious, call it in.
The night’s special guest was Officer W.J. Witt, who worked with the Aggressive Driver Response Team before moving recently to the new Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Squad. He spent much of his time fielding specific questions – including, what can be done about “aggressive drivers” who aren’t in the usual places often staked out by police. His answer: Call 911 if it’s a problem happening *now*. Otherwise, you can also leave a message with the Traffic division – ADRT is part of that division (not based in WS) – at 206-684-8722. Regarding the CVES – you can get a taste of what they’re up to, by checking out this recent report from SPD Blotter.
7:13 PM: Right now, police are responding to a report of possible trouble atop the SW Charlestown hill, a few blocks west of California, a popular sledding spot today – someone called 911 to report fireworks, a bonfire, and possible alcohol use. The fireworks component reminds us that we finally got an answer to a question several asked about an incident southwest of The Junction last night. Neighbors saw multiple police cars after what sounded like gunshots. Southwest Precinct Lt. Pierre Davis tells WSB it was determined to be fireworks – witnesses saw them being lit.
ADDED 8:09 PM: Neighbor CR sent these photos from Charlestown, following our publication of the report above, and says:
As a neighbor at the top of Charlestown Hill, I’ve enjoyed watching the kids and adults have fun here all day. Everyone was very respectful and friendly, I can’t imagine why someone called the police. Fireworks? yes, a couple Bonfire? yep, on the concrete where it was nice and safe. How often do we get a real good snow here in Seattle? People really need to lighten up and let the overworked police focus on bigger stuff.
Before our next weather-related roundup, we’re going to squeeze in a few non-weather stories. This one is from our friends across Puget Sound at The Kitsap Sun: They are reporting on a study presented earlier this week in Olympia, suggesting dramatic changes to the Washington State Ferries fare system. One of those suggestions would remove tollbooths from the Fauntleroy dock, and instead implement the “Good To Go” electronic pass system that the state is using for the Tacoma Narrows and Highway 520 bridges. Read The Sun’s story here.
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