WEST SEATTLE WEATHER/TRAFFIC: Iced Friday, report #2

2:24 PM We’re launching our pm coverage with another photo of another West Seattle hill littered with vehicles whose drivers were thwarted by ice – the texter reports, “Lander St west of Admiral has several vehicles that have had to be abandoned, including an EMT vehicle. Please do not attempt to drive down closed roads!” We showed several other trouble spots in our first report on this icy day. The other big news right now – Metro just announced that service will resume at 4 pm, with Emergency Snow Network routing. Plus, the temperature’s finally risen to freezing. Carrying over our lists from earlier:

CLOSED/CANCELED SERVICES
-Low bridge closed for ‘mechanical issues’ (see 9:03 pm update below)
-All Metro bus service has resumed with Emergency Snow Network routes only until 4 am Saturday
–King County Water Taxi service CANCELED for reset of day
–Update: Sea-Tac (SEA) operations now has 2 of 3 runways open
–All Seattle Public Library locations closed
–West Seattle Food Bank closed
–West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA closed
–ArtsWest closing performance of “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” canceled
-Business closures/changes – see the list here
*Garbage/recycling/etc. canceled again today – no pickups until next week

OTHER INFOLINKS
–Winter Storm Warning until 7 pm
–SDOT Winter Weather Response map (which roads it’s serviced and how recently)
–Citywide traffic cams
–West Seattle traffic cams
–County traffic cams (choose “south” tab for White Center)
–Washington State Ferries alerts

Updates to come. Info and photos appreciated – westseattleblog@gmail.com or (text) 206-293-6302 – thank you!

3 PM: That’s the SDOT camera at California/Alaska, which a few people pointed out was aimed in an almost unrecognizable direction earlier. SDOT has aimed it back at the heart of Walk-All-Ways. Speaking of The Junction, a mail truck got into trouble on the north edge, SW Genesee east of 42nd:

On the other side of the mail truck is a multiple-vehicle icy-hill pileup. (Thanks to Viacheslav for the photo, and thanks to everyone who’s been sending photos – got some non-crash ones to add a bit later too.)

4:09 PM: The thaw is on! We can hear ice sliding off some of the shrubs and trees outside. So let’s look at a beauty shot – this is from Michelle R-R:

Also of note – Sea-Tac/SEA has announced that two of its three runways are now open. … Added to the list above, ArtsWest has canceled tonight’s closing performance of “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” (thanks for the tip).

5:27 PM: The temperature hasn’t warmed as much as forecast, but it is above freezing. Some went out and ice-skated today, like Claire, who recorded this video at Luna/Anchor Park:

Somebody else tweeted video of skating on a West Seattle street.

6:17 PM: The low bridge is closed for the second time today. … The melting has accelerated; we can hear it in the roof gutters/downspout.

6:29 PM: Trouble on the low bridge too. SDOT reports a westbound lane closed at 1st Ave.; tipster Todd says it’s a semitruck in trouble. … Still adding to our business closures/changes list; a texter pointed out that Metropolitan Market is closing at 8 pm.

8:30 PM: Melting has begun but that doesn’t mean the road ice is gone, as commenter Amy warns below … Metro says it will return to regular routing at 4 am Saturday, with a few suspended routes including West Seattle’s 125 … Sea-Tac/SEA says it’s expecting “near-normal operations” tomorrow … Though most of us are likely glad to see the ice go, it brought some beauty in its own way, this photo by Rosalie Miller shows us:

That’s thyme – “frozen in thyme,” as Rosalie quipped.

8:55 PM: As mentioned in comments, the westbound high bridge is blocked at the moment just east of the 99 overpass. It appears to be a towing operation, possibly related to the problem mentioned earlier. The low bridge appears to still be closed too, both ways.

9:03 PM: Just got an SDOT update about the low bridge:

The Spokane Street Bridge (Low Bridge) remains closed to all travelers as Seattle Department of Transportation crews continue to work to diagnose and repair mechanical issues which have caused the Spokane Street Bridge to stay in the open position. The bridge failed to close properly after a power outage was resolved and is stuck in an “open” position late this afternoon. Currently, there is no time estimate of when the bridge will re-open. SDOT advises people who drive, walk, bike, and roll on the low bridge to find alternate routes.

Also, WSF says the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be on one-boat service Saturday morning due to a staffing shortage.

10:45 PM: The westbound high bridge is open again.

WSDad December 23, 2022 (2:38 pm)

I don’t get it. You should never drive when the roads are covered in ice. I lived in Boston for 8 years and drove on many snowy days. But if a ice storm hit the city no one moved until it melted and was safe. People should have more common sense. Driving on ice is a risk to the police, ems, and fire department. Sit and bake some cookies until it’s safe.

Chris December 23, 2022 (3:00 pm)

Some people work at hospitals and absolutely must try and get to work anyway possible.
- west sea neighbor December 23, 2022 (3:44 pm)
  
  This is my wife today (medical personnel), and believe me she would much rather not have to be out driving in this.
- Lisa December 23, 2022 (3:50 pm)
  
  Exactly!
- Peter S. December 23, 2022 (4:58 pm)
  
  @Chris: Totally agreed. I used to work for a hospital and going to work was not optional. Medical staff could not go home until replacements arrived. It’s not like you could just leave the patients to fend for themselves.That said, who in their right mind would try Lander in these conditions? Might as well give Charlestown and Ferry Ave a try, while you’re at it.
  - WSDad December 23, 2022 (5:56 pm)
    
    I know that medical and many other people don’t have a choice. I am not disrespecting them. I am just saying people that don’t have to go out cause more harm then good. Be safe.
Medical Pernonnel Here December 23, 2022 (6:40 pm)

As a medical professional, I take no offense nor do I think any of these comments are being directed at ESSENTIAL personnel (hospital personnel, police, EMS, fire). These comments are directed at the people who WILLINGLY made the decision to leave the house for a non-emergency reason, on a Friday of a major holiday weekend (schools are closed), in driving conditions that are hazardous, potentially life threatending and most are probably completely unfamiliar in navigating and put the lives of Police, EMS and Fire at risk responding to a crash you could have avoided. Thank you to the ESSENTIAL personel, who all risked their lives, to get to work today and for caring for those that were in need “regardless of their circumstances”.

Jeepney December 23, 2022 (2:46 pm)

I am amazed that people actually thought it would be safe to drive or walk in such hazardous conditions.

Michael December 23, 2022 (3:55 pm)

Welcome to the culture of “I have a 4WD Subaru, therefore I know how to drive in this.” I watched one earlier today slide down a hill, taking out a parked car and a couple of trash cans as it did so.
- Ferns December 23, 2022 (5:40 pm)
  
  Wow. I think it’s the hills. I was talking to a guy recently, who has a jeep and was of the opinion that it could handle anything. I notice one of those abandoned vehicles looks like a jeep next to the EMT in the photo. Just because it works in Chicago (or wherever said SUV truck drivers typically frolic) doesn’t mean it works here. Still, I’m looking for awd next since my sedan can’t handle much of any wintery weather. Glad there are more EV choices than last time I looked.

arabianrhino December 23, 2022 (3:05 pm)

This is a steep hill! Why???

Reed December 23, 2022 (4:45 pm)

Exceptionalism.
Ferns December 23, 2022 (5:41 pm)

High hopes? :)

Dude December 23, 2022 (3:21 pm)

People during pandemic on a sunny day: “Don’t leave your house, even to go on a walk by yourself in your own neighborhood.”People during ice storm: “geez I really have this itch to be somewhere and I’m willing to risk life or limb to get there.”*(obviously not directed at essential workers, THANK YOU for all you do helping those in need regardless of the circumstances!)

Sue H December 23, 2022 (3:22 pm)

I truly hope that people understand that just because the temperature is now at or above freezing that this doesn’t mean all the ice will be gone very quickly. It’s very possible it could take 24 hours with warmer temperatures and some sustained rain to really wash this away from the places like side streets where it has built up. Back in New York there would be times it was 50° out and I still was walking on the sidewalk and hit a slick of black ice.

Joe December 23, 2022 (3:40 pm)

Yep. I was just outside cracking ice on our stairs and decided to try walking in the street, because I really wanted to get to Safeway. NOPE.The temperatures will stay above freezing from here on out and the rain will start allegedly any minute (they keep pushing it back on even the NOAA forecast a half hour here and there).If it’s heavy rain, the roads will probably be fine by later tonight, but for sure should be fine by midmorning tomorrow, as the rain is supposed to go nonstop.
datamuse December 23, 2022 (3:45 pm)

In fact, for awhile it’s probably going to be worse trying to get around, because now that ice will have a layer of water on top of it. Imagine trying to walk on an ice rink right after the Zamboni goes through. Also, the ice rink is tilted.
- Joe December 23, 2022 (5:04 pm)
  
  Yep. I’m not going near the car till like mid morning tomorrow or midday. Should be fine by then.

Junction Girl December 23, 2022 (3:25 pm)

At Erskine and California, and the sidewalks might look clear at 3.15pm-ish, but are still covered in a layer of ice. Cars sliding at the 5-way intersection too. I’ll wait until tomorrow’s balmy 50 degrees to walk to the stores. Yikes! Stay safe.

MW December 23, 2022 (3:26 pm)

With cleats strapped to your boots’ soles, walking is manageable. Not driving though, unless the tires have chains strapped on. Even with all that gear though, icy hills are treacherous and anyone who feels they need to traverse them should think again & have other plans for This kind of emergency. Make those plans now, for the next time it happens. Get your chains and your cleats, etc. practice using them. Park on a maintained road, walk with your cleats, down (or up) that icy hill to your house and stay there if you can. Eat your rations. 😉Emergency prepping is for this too…not just big earthquakes.

Westside 3 December 23, 2022 (3:33 pm)

Don’t drive! Yesterday a SPD patrol car had to sit idle at the intersection of Forest and Fairmount to counteract the stupidity of drivers. SPD has better things to do.

wetone December 23, 2022 (3:50 pm)

Lander was favorite hill for sledding as a kid…. why anyone could think driving down Lander in these conditions was plausible blows my mind…. fresh snow and a 4 wheel drive you could make it up with good rubber, going down even chained up have fun…. hopefully that medic 1 was chained up all 4 corners and made it down safely. Schools need to start teaching common sense again………..

Mark December 23, 2022 (6:47 pm)

I live on Lander; that first picture could have been taken from my house. When I walked out at 8 this morning I slipped on my $ss in my driveway; it was not like that last night. The black ice was treacherous and Very hard to see. Those cars came off Admiral, which was slushy and fine to drive on and mistakenly wound up in a terrible situation probably in a matter of seconds. There is now a Street Closed sign but that was not there in the morning when this happened. And as I write this the Medic 1 is still there…

Rhonda December 23, 2022 (3:51 pm)

One could literally put on a pair of ice skates and do a figure skating routine on the roads here in Arbor Heights.

Pam December 23, 2022 (4:36 pm)

On 36th SW between Holly and Morgan (a super steep hill) We now have a SUV stuck sideways halfway down the hill – between our parked car and another parked car across the street. They ping pong’s off our other parked car and then slid sideways. They walked back to try chains. But the car is still there so I’m sure that didn’t work. Time for some mulled wine.

Oakley34 December 23, 2022 (6:45 pm)

Lovely video from Luna Park.

Amy December 23, 2022 (7:06 pm)

34th Ave SW between Holly and Myrtle is solid ice and not melting. Please do not drive on it. You will slide in reverse and hit cars. Please don’t risk it.

Jeff December 23, 2022 (8:46 pm)

Why is west Seattle bridge closed going west tonight???

Elton December 23, 2022 (8:50 pm)

Looks like westbound on the high and low bridge are closed. At least the First Avenue South ramp is closed to the High Bridge

WSB December 23, 2022 (8:54 pm)

The high-bridge situation is not noted in any of the traffic info channels – just the one-lane blockage we mentioned earlier – but with a fullscreen look at the video camera, looks like a tow truck is trying to do its thing, which can often mean a temporary closure
Odd son December 23, 2022 (9:27 pm)

Semi needing a tow as early as 6 pm when I drove by eastbound. Wonder what took so long? It seemed to be on the shoulder but it’s possible from my perspective I couldn’t see where the semi was. The wheels for the container were back by the 1st Ave exit.

Odd son December 23, 2022 (9:22 pm)

I may have lost count but this is the 4th time the low bridge has malfunctioned in the last 2 years. I hope whoever is responsible is being proactive so we don’t have it closed for 2.5 years like the high bridge.

wetone December 24, 2022 (9:54 am)

There are multiple things going on with swing bridge. Starting with design and operating system as it’s basically a one off design. Meaning mechanical systems become outdated quickly and replacement parts are nonexistent. Answer is replacement to new systems. Very $$$$$$$$ and there will be closures. This city has no problem spending $$$$$$ for lots of small projects that will have little benefit to all, example: Alki ave speed bumps and closure around Alki point. There are many projects like this throughout the city adding up to big money. City and SDOT continue to fund these small low impact projects then come to taxpayers saying they need money to fix main infrastructure issues……..that’s why I will continue voting no for any tax increase from SDOT, Parks and City until I see better accountability…..

Larry December 23, 2022 (9:30 pm)

Do those who have boots on the ground think side streets will be drivable by mid morning tomorrow?

Elton December 24, 2022 (1:29 am)

My guess is that they’re likely to be fine by morning, but it’s hard to predict. Temperatures have been above freezing all evening and it’s been raining with more rain to come tonight. All the major streets and arterials have had their ice melted already and are very drivable. Continue to be cautious though – if the road looks shiny don’t attempt it

Mj December 23, 2022 (10:29 pm)

Looks like auto body shops are going to have a very good start to the upcoming new year!

22blades December 24, 2022 (7:03 am)

Just doesn’t have the vibe of the sledding mosh of Denny Hill a few years back. If it’s any consolation, we’re not the only city to watch 4WD & AWD cars with useless All Wheel Brakes. Denver is notoriously bad for lifted half tons in the ditch. Mmm…. Delicious looking Type I De-Icing Fluid. How about some love for the guys in the Cherry Pickers!

Lisa December 24, 2022 (10:55 am)

SDOT is terrible about closing roads with appropriate signage. I often put up cones or signage when the hilly streets near us are icy. If you don’t know the area (and there are many newbies here), you just may not know not to drive on certain streets. Please give people the benefit of the doubt.

Sorry, comment time is over.