(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.
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