Update: 5:20 p.m. Snow begins to stick. Get home!
Mayor Mike McGinn’s office just issued a snow statement:
(The) pattern is very similar to the snowstorm that hit Seattle during Thanksgiving week last year.
Because Wednesday afternoon’s commute is expected to be difficult, it may be a good day to work an alternate shift, telecommute or make other travel arrangements if possible.”
Update: Snowing moderately at 4:45 p.m.
Update:4:30 p.m. Metro just warned bus riders to be ready for just about anything tomorrow, and to check Metro’s snow page before setting out.
Wednesday’s forecast could create challenges for all vehicles, especially if the snow begins to fall during the afternoon commute. Other areas, particularly in the Snohomish-King County convergence zone area, could see snow in the morning. Bus operations could change rapidly depending on traffic and travel conditions.
Even though weather in the morning may not be bad in your area, you should leave from a bus stop or park-and-ride that also has service when buses are on snow routes in case travel conditions deteriorate by the afternoon commute.
Also, give yourself extra time to reach your evening destination. Buses are often very crowded in the early part of the afternoon commute when everyone tries to get home before snowfall is the heaviest.
Update: 4 p.m. All is quiescent in the neighborhood for the afternoon commute, Cynthia (see comment below).
But for a preview of what Wednesday may bring, note that Interstate 90 and Highway 18 (in south King County) are currently closed by multiple accidents.
The current weather forecast discussion anticipates as much as a half-foot of snow, with the possibility of a flash freeze, by Wednesday evening’s commute.
As an indication of concern, earlier this afternoon the Washington State Department of Transportation tweeted: “‘wsdot cameras’ is the 6th most searched term on Google in the U.S. right now.”
(It’s currently in 10th place, below Justin Beibers’ new haircut, the Chicago election and National Margarita Day.)
Update: 12:30 p.m. Snowing heavily. See Cliff Mass’ weather blog for what’s coming up.
A very light snow at 9:10 a.m. here at the 400-500 foot elevation of Maple Leaf.
Everett’s getting hammered, though.
Thank you! ~~ Cynthia
Sure. It’s slacked off now (1:45 p.m.) and no longer sticking. Ground temp 36 degrees; dropping.
Yipes. Could someone please post around 3:00 or 3:30 about the condition of the east-west streets like 90th or 91st?