TRAFFIC & WEATHER: Monday watch, as snow arrives

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

5:04 AM: As promised, we’re starting traffic watch – with weather added to it – early, just in case. So far, no snow reported. However, one texter says the West Seattle Bridge is slick. It and 35th SW have been treated, according to the SDOT winter-weather map.

5:35 AM: Still nothing out of the ordinary, except colder temperatures.

6:30 AM: Patrick reports a few flakes in Sunrise Heights.

6:59 AM: Bus alert just texted and tweeted by Metro:

Otherwise, Metro says, “buses are operating normally” so far this morning.

7:24 AM: @MetPatrick22 in Sunrise Heights is watching the incoming weather and reports, “Another “slug” of moisture inbound and heavier, could bring all snow down to about 300′.” That’s where we are. So far, everything has fallen as rain – we can hear it in the downspouts.

7:42 AM: Some missing buses beyond what Metro has announced – see comments (125) and Twitter (55).

7:55 AM: First snow sighting here. Also reports of snow in Arbor Heights and Sunrise Heights, snow/rain mix in South Delridge and Highland Park.

8:04 AM: Snow shower continues. Sticking on parked cars here, not on the road:

8ampichere

Also, another West Seattle bus that didn’t run:

8:21 AM: Sticking on roofs and yards too, where we are. And from Patrick in Sunrise Heights, at 35th/Holden:

8:32 AM: Snowing more lightly here, still not sticking on the road. Photo from Jessica at 37th/Austin in Gatewood:

jessicagatewood

And this video features snow excitement! Thanks to Ben on Pigeon Point:

Again, SDOT now has a map showing you where plows, de-icing trucks, etc. have been, and it also includes some cool features like road-surface temps (click a yellow triangle) – see the map here.

9:09 AM: Snow’s over here, for now. Thanks to everyone for sharing images/video/info! More likely on the way later…

3:45 PM: Metro has announced several more cancellations this afternoon. If you ride the bus, keep close watch on the trip planner, they’re advising.

44 Replies to "TRAFFIC & WEATHER: Monday watch, as snow arrives"

  • Eric1 December 5, 2016 (6:37 am)

    It is trying really hard to snow at the top of Arbor Heights. Rain and snow mix at times. 

  • newnative December 5, 2016 (6:56 am)

    Rainy, breezy with a mix of speeding cars in North Admiral district.

  • newnative December 5, 2016 (7:00 am)

    #57 leaving at 7:06 from junction is cancelled.  

  • newnative December 5, 2016 (7:19 am)

    #56 leaving at 6:35 cancelled.

    • WSB December 5, 2016 (7:23 am)

      I got that text/tweet but am waiting for them to confirm that the word “NOT” is indeed missing – right now the alert reads “will operate.”

  • AMD December 5, 2016 (7:38 am)

    Two 125s in a row are MIA.

  • Mike December 5, 2016 (7:49 am)

    Snowflakes in Highland Park, melting before they touch, but it could get icey.

  • Couchpilot December 5, 2016 (8:00 am)

    Snowmaggedon in Westwood.

  • Sue December 5, 2016 (8:00 am)

    The 55 due at 42nd around 7:29 did not show. The next one was 5 min late. Buses packed and turning people away. They say they want us to take transit instead of driving, but can’t be reliable. Ridiculous. Had I known of the delays/cancellations ahead of time I could’ve walked to another stop for the C.

  • lowmanbeachdrive December 5, 2016 (8:01 am)

    Snow coming down steady and strong near Lowman Park.  Melting on contact with ground.

  • Ginny December 5, 2016 (8:04 am)

    It’s sticking at 41st & Ida St.  Big fat flakes!

  • East Coast Cynic December 5, 2016 (8:13 am)

    21X going downtown due at 35th SW and Morgan at 7:15am a no show, which caused the 21X that arrived 15 minutes later to be packed to the gills.  It ended up stranding a bunch of people at 35th SW and Avalon who hopefully got a RR C shortly after.

     

    Is there a sickout going on with all these routes not showing today?? 

    • WSB December 5, 2016 (8:17 am)

      I’ll be asking Metro this morning.

  • Mike December 5, 2016 (8:14 am)

    Snow on the roadway, snow sticking to surfaces

  • dustin December 5, 2016 (8:15 am)

    Sticking here at Thistle & 39th!!

  • Alki woman December 5, 2016 (8:15 am)

    Don’t forget the water taxi as a way to avoid the big bus cluster that usually happens in the snow.  Last one leaves WS at 845am.  

  • Erica December 5, 2016 (8:16 am)

    Snowing at alaskan junction! Looks like melty slush now

  • Erica December 5, 2016 (8:16 am)

    Snowing here in High Point- not sticking to the ground, but lots of fat flakes on cars and grass!

  • dustin December 5, 2016 (8:20 am)

    Now with moving pictures. :)

    (feel free to re-use images and .gifs as needed and share with other outlets)

    • WSB December 5, 2016 (8:24 am)

      The comment image uploader still has some bugs, which our new technical person is working on, so it might get a little overloaded here … it hasn’t really had a big test event since installation last snowless winter. If you don’t see yours go through, old-fashioned e-mail the best way to get to us – editor@westseattleblog.com – or if more convenient for you, text to our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thanks!

  • Julia December 5, 2016 (8:34 am)

    Totally snowing for the last half hour in Highland Park, and sticking to the ground and cars.

  • LarryB December 5, 2016 (8:36 am)

    Definitely sticking in Sunrise Heights – more than in Patricks video. Seems a little slick on my block.

  • Sunuva December 5, 2016 (8:38 am)

    It is sticking all across the peninsula now. 35th is a slog all the way up and down. Way too many people on the road, probably because the snow didn’t start until well into the commute. It is ugly driving conditions now folks. If you haven’t left yet, you might want to work from home today if you can!

  • David December 5, 2016 (9:05 am)

    High point

  • Gina December 5, 2016 (9:07 am)

    Ahhhh, retirement!

  • Roxy December 5, 2016 (9:14 am)

    No show buses within walking distance of PCC: down Calif. Rt 55 at 718, Rt 50 at 730. When the next 55 arrived it was a short bus. At a minimum, when Metro has uncovered route, a long bus MUST be put on the next schedule run. Since the 718 am inbound departure of the 55 is regularly MIA, a large bus on the 731 departure should be routine so folks can get on the cattle car. Many bosses are not sympathetic with Metro caused late arrivals. No wonder my neighbors drive cars to work.

    • Elizabeth December 5, 2016 (11:57 am)

      It’s so frustrating!! I’m not sure what is causing the mix-up in scheduling because before this (all sept. oct. and nov.) things were going smoothly. All of a sudden December comes and they’re all in disarray?! I even saw a long bus drive by while I was waiting for the 55 that was completely empty that was “To Terminal”. Seriously, wtf?

  • Elizabeth December 5, 2016 (9:15 am)

     So is the 55 at 7:26 at Andover just not going to be a thing anymore? For two weekdays in a row it’s been a no-show and the one that does come 10 mins later is a tiny bus that definitely doesn’t fit all of the regulars. WTF?? Metro needs to let people know asap!

  • Dp December 5, 2016 (9:16 am)

    It’s raining In Arbor Heights now

  • PangolinPie December 5, 2016 (9:43 am)

    The 125s were no-show even before the snow started. Ugh – it’s going to be a rough winter if this is how we start it off.

  • Laura December 5, 2016 (3:33 pm)

    Hey WSB, I just got an email alert from Metro that the 57 due to leave at 4:19 from 3rd & Pike won’t be running because of “operational constraints associated with the risk of snowy or icy road conditions.” Have you heard anything more about this and what it might mean for the rest of the West Seattle routes? Is it snowing over there? I’m in downtown and it just looks like rain here. Thanks!

    • WSB December 5, 2016 (3:36 pm)

      They have announced a bunch of afternoon cancellations. Checking.

      • newnative December 5, 2016 (4:10 pm)

        I went to the Metro website and they said “no reroutes but cancellations, check Next Departures” but it just pulled up the regular schedule.  

    • Sue December 5, 2016 (5:05 pm)

      I got the same message about the 55 departing at 4:26 and 6:03. This is at least 3 55’s that were cancelled today out of what, a dozen total runs. Outrageous. Fortunately I got the message about the 4:26 (my regular bus) in time to grab the one before (that is perpetually late). If this is what is happening without any snow/ice, how can I rely on Metro?

  • flimflam December 5, 2016 (4:32 pm)

    ppht. so all the sudden metro will cancel out with a threat of  “operational constraints associated with the risk of snowy or icy road conditions.” wow. is this a new thing? so the entire city is supposed A) not drive and also B) not take the bus? 

    • Erithan December 5, 2016 (5:12 pm)

      When I was younger, metro always jumped the gun on tire chains, but always ran from what I remember. Sure the streets didn’t like it, but people could get home etc at least! Were more routes to manage back then too…-.- (seemed like it anyway if I’m wrong)

  • SunriseHeights December 5, 2016 (4:50 pm)

    Two noshows for 21E so far. 

    • Paul December 5, 2016 (6:28 pm)

      Did any 21x buses run tonight?  I didn’t see any at Columbia between 5:30 and 6:00.  Took the local instead.

      • East Coast Cynic December 5, 2016 (7:48 pm)

        A 21X did arrive at 3rd and Seneca at 4:52pm (arrived at Columbia around 4:57pm), but it was packed in all likelihood due to the previous run or runs that did not show up.

  • Laura December 5, 2016 (6:01 pm)

    I tweeted Metro about the 57 and the first of the evening’s 55 cancellations asking if we could expect all the West Seattle buses to be cancelled if it was for ice and snow. They responded back that in snowy, icy conditions–which we aren’t having this evening from what I’ve seen–that it’s risky to run the electric trolleys. So they’ve been taking regular diesel buses. 

  • Vicki December 5, 2016 (9:07 pm)

    Ben on Pigeon Point – thanks for the video of your little girl jumping in the snow on your patio. I recognized the place as my Dad/Mom’s former home.  Glad to see it – brings back lots of good memories.

    • PigeonRidgeBen December 5, 2016 (11:15 pm)

      Hi Vicki,

      We think of your parents and family often. We are truly enjoying this home and feel it an honor and privilege to be here. If you ever feel inclined, we welcome you or anyone in the family to come by.

      ben.a.ahrens@gmail.com

      • sam-c December 6, 2016 (8:26 am)

        I love West Seattle

        (this exchange is so sweet- what a great community we have!)

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