TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER/ETC.: Snowy Monday AM/early PM updates

(SCHOOLS: Closure listTRASH/RECYCLING: No pickups todayPARKS: Today’s updates hereLIBRARIES: Today’s plan hereWS BUSINESS/ETC. UPDATES as received)

6:00 AM: Good morning. Morning watch begins – updates ahead.

SDOT WINTER-RESPONSE MAP: See where SDOT has treated/plowed
METRO SERVICE: Emergency Snow Network only – here are the West/South Seattle specifics.
WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI: One-boat service – schedule and other details here
TRAFFIC CAMS PAGE: Our compilation of local cameras
SDOT CITYWIDE CAMS ETC. PAGE: Year-round “travelers” map with cams/more.

6:21 AM: No incidents in our area. Arterials have been cleared since Sunday’s new snowfall, but as has been the case in recent days, the main challenge will be getting to one. The temperature’s back below freezing. No significant new snowfall expected until later – the new Winter Weather Advisory alert takes effect at 11 am. (The early-morning “forecast discussion” continues to warn that forecasters are uncertain about when and where the next wave turns to rain.)

7:16 AM: Doc Maynard is the one boat on the West Seattle Water Taxi run today … Speaking of vessels, the “low bridge” restrictions are officially over. And it’s just opened for a vessel to pass.

7:31 AM: The low bridge has reopened to non-marine traffic.

7:41 AM: Important reminder from Metro – apps/trackers do NOT filter for the Emergency Snow Network (which is the reduced-service level in effect since early Saturday) though they “can still accurately show estimated arrival times for those routes actually in service.”

8 AM: Next wave moving this way a bit faster than expected, NWS now says, so we may only have a couple more hours’ break. Got business open/closed – or institution/organization – news? Text or voice 206-293-6302 is the best way to get it to us; building a new list right now.

8:32 AM: Thanks to the commenters who are sharing road-condition updates. Meantime, we’ve started that new businesses-etc. list here. … Still awaiting city status reports for libraries and Parks facilities.

8:41 AM: Alert from King County, “West Seattle Water Taxi shuttle Route 775 is currently unable to provide service on California Way SW and also Admiral Way SW between 61st Ave SW and California Way SW.”

8:48 AM: Seattle Parks update for the day is in – see it here.

9:28 AM: Also from the city, an SDOT overview:

SDOT crews continue to plow, working back to back 12-hour shifts. SDOT currently has 35 snow and ice fighting trucks roving Seattle’s major streets and roadways. Plow crews continue to prioritize keeping Gold and Emerald routes clear. A flusher truck is covering city-wide elevated structure and frost prone areas. Smaller, more mobile trucks are addressing trouble spots, and streets near schools. In addition, two SDOT tree crews are on duty and available within the City for calls related to downed or hazardous trees through the night shift. No outstanding tree calls currently. Street closure inspection and reporting teams are also on a 12-hour shift and continue checking the status of street closure signs.

The mayor, governor, and city department heads plan an 11 am briefing. … Also just in: Seattle Public Library status (in our area, all but West Seattle/Admiral will be open today) … We’ll continue to update this roundup until (serious) snow returns or afternoon arrives, whichever comes first, but we’re also working to catch up on other news notes, so watch for some non-snow stories shortly.

9:47 AM: A few flakes are falling already!

9:54 AM: Jackknifed semitruck on Edmunds just east of California – thanks to Doug B for the tip and photo:

On the scanner, we hear police just arriving at that scene. They say the truck driver is chaining up in hopes of getting out.

10:08 AM: And the truck is reported to have moved on. Still lightly snowing.

11:02 AM: Couple updates – Southwest Pool is actually opening noon-3, different from what the Parks link above shows, we’re told … Speaking of the city, the mayor/governor/etc. briefing just started and Seattle Channel is streaming it here … Speaking of city employees, check this out:

Texted with this caption: “Neighbors helping neighbors! Thanks to the mighty help of Fire Station 32 for helping Lien Animal Clinic shovel out their overflow parking lot.”

11:39 AM: We’ve been monitoring the briefing and tweeting some toplines; will publish the video and toplines separately once it’s over – there’s usually a near-instant turnaround of the Seattle Channel stream via YouTube.

12:35 PM: Extending this roundup into the early PM while we try to get a couple other items up before starting the official afternoon roundup. Snow’s falling more seriously now, by the way.

2:07 PM: There’s been a discussion in comments regarding USPS. Yes, they’re working – we just saw ours go by. Serious snow continues but the NWS is adamant it’ll turn to rain later – the roads, meantime, are getting snowed over again. Here’s a framegrab from the SDOT camera in The Triangle:

We’ve added more updates to the business list – including several restaurants.

3:19 PM: Afternoon/evening updates are here.

76 Replies to "TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/WEATHER/ETC.: Snowy Monday AM/early PM updates"

  • Trickycoolj February 11, 2019 (6:55 am)

    Clear all the snow off your cars! It’s a safety hazard if it slides down over your window when your stop or worse becomes a projectile that goes through someone else’s window!! I can see in the cams that no one is doing it! Get a broom and push it off!

    • AliAlki February 11, 2019 (8:22 am)

      Yes please please do! Snow blowing off your car also contributes to creating black ice patches as you drive down the highway and chunks fall off and melt then refreeze. 

    • Annie Kolodzik February 11, 2019 (8:49 am)

      THANK YOU!!!! This is something I didn’t think about and probably same goes for some other people

  • Rachel February 11, 2019 (7:02 am)

    Be careful walking around this morning.  It’s treacherous – the sidewalks are very icy!  Put some sand /de-icer down if you were able to find some. Thankfully we picked some up at True Value on the weekend. Our sidewalks were worse where we shoveled. :( 

    • Laura February 11, 2019 (7:39 am)

      Me, too! I only stepped out onto my front porch, but I applied ice melt as recommended: a layer before the snow and then again after it started, and it’s just total ice under there. :(

      • sam-c February 11, 2019 (8:24 am)

        We were shoveling our driveway yesterday afternoon  (our ‘hood doesn’t have sidewalks).    During the shoveling, my spouse asks, ‘why are we even doing this? it is easier to drive on snow than it is on ice; we are just exposing the ice layer at the bottom.” I tried chipping at the ice with the shovel, which was not very effective.  We were not one of the lucky ones to get de-icer.  We tried 2 stores 2 different times, but all sold out.

        • hj February 11, 2019 (10:00 am)

          It’s a good question, and the answer is that the advantage is only temporary. If you leave the snow on top of the ice and then drive/walk on it, the snow itself will get impacted into the ice and eventually just create even thicker ice, assuming the temperature doesn’t warm up significantly anytime soon. 

          • Duh February 11, 2019 (10:48 am)

            Use salt! Shovel then salt. Even table salt works if you have a blue jug

        • datamuse February 11, 2019 (3:48 pm)

          We’ve used a roofing shovel to break up ice. It’s pretty labor intensive but if you feel in need of a workout…

  • quinkygirl February 11, 2019 (7:47 am)

    More frequent application helps (daily). My neighbor and I shovel and deice regularly, and ours is  the only relatively safe section of our street.

  • J. February 11, 2019 (7:52 am)

    It may not look bad now, but not going to chance it today and staying home.

    • X February 11, 2019 (10:36 am)

      @J, I made the same decision. No job is worth risking injury or death by the simple act of attempting coming in. For anything non-essential, please stay home and stay safe! Sidewalks are too icey and roads are too iffy. 

      • Rollin with my snowmies February 11, 2019 (11:39 am)

        Thank you for saying this. I am feeling guilty about staying home because I can tell my boss isn’t pleased but I am not confident driving in these conditions and the snow is supposed to pick up again this afternoon. I didn’t want to get stuck or in an accident. Hopefully my work will see it the same way. 

  • admiraldon February 11, 2019 (8:07 am)

    So what advice to give for those of us who have to work all day.  left at 530, probably won’t get home until after 7, weather permitting.  I can’t shovel snow off the walk until i get home.  if i do it in the morning the neighbors complain.  I do it on non work days, but that just once, maybe twice a week. 

    • AMD February 11, 2019 (8:14 am)

      I would do it in the morning and let the neighbors complain (although you know your neighbors better than I do).  Alternatively, you could do it after work and if they complain it wasn’t done all day, ask them which time they prefer.  My husband and I have been working opposite schedules so it was a little easier to shovel as soon as it was done snowing, but tomorrow that won’t be the case so I’m interested to hear what community consensus is on this!

    • BrianK February 11, 2019 (9:52 am)

      I live in an apartment, so not a worry for me, BUT, when i lived in snow country and had to work on a day when kids were off school, i paid kids to shovel and clear my sidewalks.  very effective way to help some kids get a little extra spending cash, keep the busy during the day and out of their mothers’ hair for awhile.  plus it wears them out so they sleep good that night!  Just a suggestion for those who can’t shovel in a timely manner.

    • ellen February 11, 2019 (9:55 am)

      I don’t think it’s a good idea to shovel off snow. It’s a lot easier to walk and drive on then cleared areas that have iced over again, which they will do if the temperature doesn’t go up. I find it safest to walk in different places on fresh snow rather than to follow tracks or footsteps

      • Blbl February 11, 2019 (10:23 am)

        Luckily for the rest of us, Ellen, it doesn’t matter if you think shoveling is a good idea or not.   Enough people disagreed with you to make a law.  

      • m. February 11, 2019 (11:44 am)

        You’re right that it’s easier to gain traction on fresh snow, but the problem is that only lasts a short while before the traffic (pedestrian or vehicle) compacts things down into a hard layer. Then it gets very slippery, and is much harder to clear. Plus, as temps warm up and everything starts to melt, areas that have been shoveled may be icy for a short time but will clear up much more quickly than the areas that have thick layers of compacted snow and ice that will melt only partially and then refreeze at night as temps lower again.

    • Kathy February 11, 2019 (11:20 am)

      With all these kids out of school you’d think some enterprising students would offer shoveling services for money. Down on the flat of Alki I was shoveling at 10 pm last night and it was still slushy enough to come off easily. This morning I just cleared the slush/ice off my neighbor’s sidewalk. If you push it aside it will be safer in the long run because it could refreeze at night and be very slippery in the morning. What’s coming down now in Alki is melting on contact and doesn’t look very hazardous.

      • TACOCAT February 11, 2019 (1:55 pm)

        Snow Removal ServiceIf you need snow removed from your walkway and sidewalk there is a group of four nice boys willing to do for a reasonable fee near 48th and Spokane.

  • HelperMonkey February 11, 2019 (8:29 am)

    Roads are NOT clear. A little harrowing coming down gatewood hill. Side streets are a mess. 

  • just wondering February 11, 2019 (8:32 am)

    Just saw a man walking his greyhound.  The dog was wearing a coat and a turtle neck sweater.  Made me smile!

    • L February 11, 2019 (9:46 am)

      That might have been my greyhound…she gets an A+ for adapting to the snow.  As a dog who came from Mexico and was at first put off by it, she’s now prancing around and can’t get enough of it! 

      • just wondering February 11, 2019 (10:31 am)

        She was being walked on 46th ave sw!

  • Anne February 11, 2019 (8:34 am)

    Oh my gosh folks- shovel when & how you can -if you can. Don’t worry about neighbors complaining – ignore the  critical comments  about those that don’t/ can’t shovel- especially now with several inches of heavy snow -just do your best & above all be safe. 

  • Carolyn February 11, 2019 (8:45 am)

    I work in Bellevue but live in WSea.  What is the best, most reliable way to determine the current conditions of the roads to get there (e.g., 90/520)? TIA

  • not mellow yellow February 11, 2019 (8:54 am)

    Please dog owners be considerate of kids snow play. If you see evidence of sledding please don’t let them pee on the runs. Are you that self absorbed? 

    • Erech Overaker February 11, 2019 (10:12 am)

      “let them pee”  My dog likes the snow more than your kids do, so think we’re about to find ourselves in a urine-stained stalemate. 

      • KM February 11, 2019 (10:40 am)

        Can you hold it until we get home, Buster? There might be kids in this general vicinity, I see “evidence of sledding” and that might hold up in a court of self-absorbed law!

    • Peeb February 11, 2019 (11:16 am)

      Um. Dog pee isn’t going to harm your kid’s sled. LMAO over here

    • ZD February 11, 2019 (1:31 pm)

      Very committed to sledding clearly.

  • smittytheclown February 11, 2019 (8:56 am)

    I totally get it, but trash is starting to pile up.We are using our yard waste container to store the overflow.Hope I remember to take them out when/if the normal “Monday” schedule gets caught up.

  • enid February 11, 2019 (9:07 am)

    @Just Wondering, I can tell you as a former greyhound owner that greyhounds require coats in any cold weather.  Mine had both turtlenecks and hoodies.  Not merely a fashion statement, but worth a smile either way!

  • Bob February 11, 2019 (9:08 am)

    Thank you Anne for some words of calmness. Everyone just sit back and be careful and do what you can and no more. No matter what “some experts” have the urge to spout about.

  • PD February 11, 2019 (9:46 am)

    Did anyone get a picof the sea-lion snow scultpure in Habor Ave / Alki?  

  • Ajs February 11, 2019 (9:58 am)

    Semi truck jacked on EDmonds and 42nd  ave and California ave.  

    • WSB February 11, 2019 (10:04 am)

      Thanks, we have a pic above, and heard via scanner it was then quickly cleared.

  • supernova72 February 11, 2019 (9:59 am)

    WSB— thanks for the fantastic status updates.  I’ve been following the weather updates from my travels in Central America.  Was supposed to fly home today but given the extreme conditions decided to move my flight to Friday.  At some point I’ll need to come home.  Stay warm and keep up the great weather/trafffic/stores of out food status.  Cheers.

    • WSB February 11, 2019 (10:04 am)

      Friday SOUNDS promising at this point. Travel safely!

  • Jennie February 11, 2019 (10:00 am)

    West Seattle library page says it will be closed today.

    • WSB February 11, 2019 (10:03 am)

      Thank you. Library link was added above last hour – West Seattle (aka Admiral) branch is the only one in our area that’s not opening today. Others will. See top of https://www.spl.org

  • hj February 11, 2019 (10:03 am)

    The jackknifed (jackknived?) truck on Edmunds just cleared out. Good teamwork by everyone involved. 

  • Julia February 11, 2019 (10:06 am)

    I saw a dog with coat, boots, and gaiters on its legs — that was a new one for me! Great idea!

  • Eric February 11, 2019 (11:14 am)

    AND, it’s snowing again in the Admiral district.

  • Anna February 11, 2019 (11:42 am)

    Any idea if mail will be delivered today?

    • unlikely February 11, 2019 (11:52 am)

      Anna, I doubt it–but then we don’t normally get any mail delivered on Mondays anyway–it’s very strange…  (we’re on 44th N of Charlestown)

    • WS REZ February 11, 2019 (11:54 am)

      We just left the post office and they said they will be

    • Cait February 11, 2019 (12:10 pm)

      Ours was just delivered at 36th and Dakota! Our mailwoman is the BEST 

      • Lisa February 11, 2019 (1:07 pm)

        Yes! Emma is fantastic. Love her so much!

    • Kathy February 11, 2019 (12:13 pm)

      We received mail today at 36th and Dakota.

    • Terri February 11, 2019 (12:16 pm)

      Just walked by the post office and the trucks were being loaded. I’m sure they will do their best.

  • constance harrison February 11, 2019 (11:48 am)

    Mail delivered to Spokane St. at Alki this morning.

    • mrsB February 11, 2019 (12:57 pm)

      We got our mail this morning..

  • Pigeon Point February 11, 2019 (12:08 pm)

    Received USPS mail this morning, earlier than usual! 

  • Peter February 11, 2019 (12:13 pm)

    Had a great weekend. Even with a foot of snow at our house in upper Gatewood, put snow chains on our small 20 year old car and got around just fine. And this morning was the easiest commute I’ve had in the last 2.5 years; yes, really. Almost makes me want the snow to stay. Almost. But there’s really nothing that’s impeded my regular day to day activities.

  • Elikapeka February 11, 2019 (1:58 pm)

    Spoke with our mail carrier this morning.  If they don’t have clear access to your mailbox they may pass you by, just FYI.

  • C February 11, 2019 (2:03 pm)

    Oregon from Delridge up to 21st is starting to get dicey (2pm). Be careful on the hills. Admiral from California toward the bridge was also feeling a little slick. 

  • just wondering February 11, 2019 (2:12 pm)

    Heavy snowing at top of Charlestown hill

  • andasai February 11, 2019 (2:12 pm)

    I live in Admiral on 37th SW & Hanford & am dying to go for a walk. Does anyone know if the sidewalks are icy or are they safe enough to walk in the neighborhood? (IE: To Safeway or Met Market). Thx!

    • Admiral February 11, 2019 (2:40 pm)

      I just was out walking with my kids and it wasn’t slippery… just snowy 

    • mnw February 11, 2019 (3:13 pm)

      All the new snow has covered the icy sections and made for easy walking…for now! I just walked my dog and it was great. 

  • enid February 11, 2019 (2:15 pm)

    A bit ticked off that local TV stations have pre-empted regular programming so that they can repeat the same weather drivel over and over and over all day long.   The indoor projects, creative endeavors, and just plain quiet contemplation are wearing thin.  Ready for some trashy Dr. Phil.   If I want relevant weather info, I’ll check the WSB.  The rest is worthless.

    • KM February 11, 2019 (3:18 pm)

      Weather events create some of the best viewership numbers for local broadcasters. Being it is also not an election year, they are eager to get eyeballs on the screens. Just hopefully not during The Price is Right :-)

  • Chris February 11, 2019 (2:43 pm)

    I am so thankful to kind neighbors helping.   I am a senior and have been out there shoveling our sidewalks, which has not been easy.   Did put deicer & sand on while had, which made shoveling a bit easier.   Managed to pull a muscle yesterday after (not sure how many rounds of snow we have had), and neighbors pitched right in.   Cars on our road keep getting stuck, slipping and sliding.   Out late last night to help one get loose and again this morning….with clay cat litter & then another neighbor came to assist more.    So thankful to everyone for chipping in helping our seniors and others that need help.   I really wanted to try to do myself, and well for now have to depend on kind neighbors.    Thank you everyone for being kind and thoughtful to those of us who can use your help .   You are our heroes and we appreciate your giving of your time and muscle.

  • T February 11, 2019 (2:46 pm)

    Live on an arterial, haven’t had mail since Thursday. Usually get mail M – Sat.

  • T February 11, 2019 (2:49 pm)

    I should rephrase, I have shoveled 5 times since Friday (side walk, walkway to mailbox, stairs, etc) and haven’t gotten mail since Thursday.

  • Al February 11, 2019 (2:51 pm)

    Has anyone in Admiral area got mail delivered today Monday February 11, 2019 . Thank you

    • EH February 11, 2019 (3:00 pm)

      We got mail today.

    • LoveTheSnow February 11, 2019 (3:19 pm)

      Hi, yes, about 45 minutes ago on 37th & Hanford.  It’s not Matt today, but the sub was extremely courtesy and offered to take my mail.  Thank you USPS. 

    • Richard February 11, 2019 (3:20 pm)

      I’ve gotten mail today, on California at Hill (Christy’s route).Sign up for Informed Delivery and you can get a notification whenever you have mail scheduled to be delivered:https://informeddelivery.usps.com/

      • miws February 11, 2019 (3:52 pm)

        Richard, Thank you for that. I had heard of Informed Delivery, but never got around to, or forgot to sign up for it.  Although ambulatory, I have some mobility challenges and really don’t want to risk even the short walk to the mailbox. Apt management has been shoveling, but then it starts snowing again).  Anyway, in signing up I can see that there was no mail for me today! —Mike

  • Michelle C February 11, 2019 (2:56 pm)

    Heavy wet snow this afternoon (2:30ish) in Alaska junction – lots of slush. Be careful if you need to travel! My hat, gloves, and coat got soaked while walking around.

  • Mj February 11, 2019 (3:09 pm)

    Snowing hard here in Admiral.  Cleared my sidewalk twice so far today and expect to do it again soon.  Clearing a sidewalk for most people on a typical lot is not a big deal.  Why so much griping, it’s required by SMC and it is a safety issue!

  • WSB February 11, 2019 (3:22 pm)

    Afternoon/evening coverage finally launched here.
    https://westseattleblog.com/2019/02/west-seattle-snow-updates-for-monday-afternoon-and-beyond/

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