Updated 9:10 a.m. Queen Anne Ave is now closed. @MorganPalmer of Kiro 7 tweeted this photo.
Updated 8:30 a.m.@KCMetroBus sent this Tweet: Due to road conditions, rts 1, 2 & 13 unable to serve the portion of their snow routing north of Seattle Center. Turning back at 2nd/Roy.
Earlier: Queen Anne finally has snow! People are reporting a couple of inches as of 8 a.m.
And as one could expect, news crews are standing at the bottom of Queen Anne Ave – just waiting for the slipping and sliding. Forecasters are saying that snow will continue throughout the morning and may ease up around lunchtime.
Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel posted this clip earlier today. @MorganPalmer of KIRO Tweeted this picture of Queen Anne Ave just north of Mercer.
Here is information you should know for the day:
If you can get down the hill and need to get to work downtown, the Seattle Monorail is up and running.
Metro buses are on snow routes and some routes have been canceled.
No garbage/recycling/yard waste pickup today. If today is your garbage day, put your cans out tomorrow by 7 a.m. If your trash wasn’t collected yesterday, you can put double the amount out next week at no charge
Seattle Public Libraries will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. today
Got snow pics? Email us at tips@queenanneview.com.
The weather forecast has been calling for more clouds and cooler temperatures, but we weren’t expecting the booming thunder and bright lightning!
Thunderstorms in July? Just what we need! I understand that summertime rain happens, but we just got our sunny days back… OK, I’m done whining now. Here’s hoping forecasters are right, and we’re back to the warm summer sun later this week. In the meantime, here’s a look at the storm from the KIRO7 doppler radar as of 8:01 a.m. Looks like more rain is headed our way.
On top of that some folks over in Sunset Hill in Ballard have already lost power this morning.
The forecast, according to KING5, is still calling for highs in the 70s, with cooler temps later the next couple of days followed by clouds and sun.
Thinking of crossing over the neighborhood line tonight to celebrate the 4th at Gasworks? Our sister site, MyWallingford.com has a primer of what to expect, what not to bring and a timeline for the day. The soggy 2010 Fourth of July festivities. Thankfully this year is expected to be much nicer!
Though it’s been rainy this past week, the clouds parted for a few hours this afternoon and it actually looked like spring under the Space Needle. Despite temperatures in the high forties, many passersby strolled and sat in the Center grounds, enjoying the unexpected sunshine.
The Center turned on all of its waterworks on April 1, after closing it throughout the winter as a cost-savings measure. From Seattle Center:
International Fountain is programmed with new music each week, selected by Seattle Center musicologist James Whetzel, often to coincide with events happening on the grounds. For the weekend of April 1st, visitors will hear a mix of Japanese pieces in recognition of Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, April 1 -3, in Center House, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion.
The return of Seattle Center waterworks renews the hope that Mother Nature will soon delivery spring weather. Seattle Center invites the community to come down to the Center to take in the sun, view the spring flowers, listen to the fountain music and partake in all of the weekend festivities. For more information on Seattle Center attractions and events, visit the website at www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.
You may have seen the illuminated signs announcing lane closures on the Ballard Bridge and Aurora on Saturday. The Seattle Department of Transportation has canceled the work because of an unfavorable weather forecast.
Seattle City Light is preparing for the possibility of power outages due to the weather forecast, which is expected to bring strong winds to the Puget Sound area this afternoon.
This morning the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory, which is in effect until 9 p.m., predicting sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 50 mph.
“A storm like this could cause power outages particularly since the ground is saturated and trees could fall into our lines,” City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said in a statement. “Our crews are ready to respond and restore service as quickly as possible, but it is always important for all of us to be prepared.”
In preparation for potential outages, City Light advises residents to put together an emergency preparedness kit. From City Light:
A kit should include enough food and supplies to last your family for at least three days, hand-crank or battery-operated flashlight and radio, fresh batteries, a survival blanket, a first aid kit, pocket tissues and hand sanitizer wipes. For a checklist and other tips go to www.takewinterbystorm.org .
City Light also sends the following safety reminder in the event of power outages and downed lines:
Do not go near any downed wire. Wires should always be assumed to be “live” and dangerous. If someone seeks a downed wire, they should call (206) 684-7400;
Do not use a barbecue grill or generator inside the house or in a garage that is attached to the house. Do not use a grill or generator near a home air intake vent or near windows;
Do not use fossil fuel burning auxiliary heating sources;
Know how to manually override electric garage doors, security doors and gates;
Have a land line phone or fully charged cell phone available — cordless phones won’t work when the power is out;
Unplug electrical appliances if the power goes out so that when the power comes back on, there won’t be a surge that could damage sensitive electronic equipment;
Use battery-powered flashlights – not candles or oil lamps;
Close doors, windows, curtains, and unused fireplace dampers to retain heat if there is an outage.
The overnight snowfall may not have been the 2-6 inches forecasters warned us about, but there is a very light dusting of snow on the ground in Queen Anne this morning. The forecast calls for anywhere from a trace to 2 inches more later today.
With the temperature currently at 26 degrees, commuters are advised to keep an eye out for ice. Metro buses are on snow routes this morning, and Microsoft has canceled all its Connector routes. Here’s SDOT’s first report this AM:
Most city streets are bare and wet this morning. Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation are treating major arterial streets to guard against the formation of ice in advance of the morning commute period. Snowfall last night was highly variable around the city. Beacon Hill, southern Rainier Valley, and higher parts of West Seattle appear to have had the most snow.
WSDOT crews have been busy treating the freeways. For the most part, traffic is moving smoothly. You can check the latest WSDOT traffic updates, the flow map and the full set of WSDOT cameras.
It’s snowing in Queen Anne, as of 1:20 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, but before you get too excited, the snowfall is not expected to stick. For the last week, forecasters have been predicting snow. Well, it’s here, at least for now.
According to the National Weather Service, “expect brief and local accumulations of slushy snow to occur through early Wednesday morning. This is likely to occur on hills above about 500 feet this morning and above 300 feet tonight and early Wednesday morning.” A “winter storm watch” is in effect from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning. A winter storm watch means conditions are favorable for severe winter weather.
UW Atmospheric Science professor and weather blogger Cliff Mass is predicting that this storm will dump two to five inches of snow in north Seattle. “Good news for commuters and SDOT tomorrow,” Mass writes, “Temperatures will remain above freezing, SO NO SOLID ICE LAYER like Nov 22, 2010.”
As predicted, the snow has turned to rain, making for a slushy mess on the roads.
Things to know before you go:
Seattle Public Schools are running two hours late. Schools that had previously scheduled early dismissal (McClure Middle School) will release students at the regular time.
King County Metro Transit is updating this site with changes to bus service.
King Count Metro (@kcmetrobus) tweeted this alert:
Most Metro service on snow routes Wed AM thru 9 AM due to snowy/slushy roads. Expect some delays. Dress warm.
We’ve been hearing talk of snow over the last few days. The latest forecast says that anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow could be heading our way, beginning after 4 p.m. today and changing to rain after midnight.
The National Weather Service is giving out a bit of interesting advise to help avoid mayhem on the streets: “People should seriously consider finishing their afternoon commute early today if at all possible.” Metro Transit is also warning folks to plan ahead, considering the likelihood that afternoon and evening bus routes will be disrupted. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more.
Light snow is falling again around the neighborhood, but this time it’s cold enough to stick. “The flurries should only dust a few spots this morning with less that an inch accumulations,” says KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott.
The major thoroughfares in Queen Anne are just wet, and traffic is moving well. Check the Queen Anne-area traffic cams to get a feel for the conditions.
Meanwhile, the latest forecast run for tomorrow night is “1 to 4 inches” in the lowlands, with snow turning to rain by Wednesday afternoon.
If you’re trekking around the hill today or have caught a glimpse out the nearest window, odds are you’ve noticed that it’s snowing here in Queen Anne. Though the temperature’s a bit too high for anything to stick (at 37 degrees as of 3:30 this afternoon), we’re seeing a pretty substantial mix of snow and rainfall in the neighborhood.
While no accumulation is expected for today’s snow showers, forecasters are looking ahead to Tuesday night and Wednesday, where a significant snow event could be in play.
As is typical here in Seattle, the forecast keeps shifting. At first, UW meteorologist Cliff Mass suggested it could be a historic snow event. Then he backed off as forecasts showed it heading north, perhaps into Vancouver. Now the Weather Service says the model has it shifting a little more south, which could bring 4 inches or more in the Seattle area. “It’s still way too early to know what scenario will play out,” says the Weather Service.
If you’re planning to stick around Queen Anne to celebrate New Year’s this year, then there are plenty of places you can go for a prime view of the fireworks at the Space Needle at midnight.
Photo courtesy of the Seattle Center.
Here are just a few places you can ring in the New Year, for free, around the neighborhood.
Center House, Seattle Center—Ring in 2011 with the rocking sounds of The Machine, and witness the fireworks up close and personal.
For many years, The Machine has been playing around the Pacific Northwest, offering the best PARTY music in town. When you come and see The Machine, you will only hear DANCEABLE, FUN, PARTY rock and roll, AND you will have a great time.
Kerry Park—Climb up to Kerry Park, Seattle’s quintessential viewpoint (211 W Highland Dr.) to see the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and of course, the fireworks at the Needle. But remember, Kerry Park is a small space and likely to be packed, so get there early to scope out a prime viewing spot.
The South Slope—If you’re looking to have a more low key New Year’s, while still enjoying the festivities, you can have your own private viewing party from a number of sites along the south slope. Just drive around and pull over anywhere you have a clear view of the Needle. Advantages: these viewing spots are likely to be less crowded, and offer you a quick way home if you live nearby.
From the Water—If you’re lucky enough to own a boat, or know a friend who does and are comfortable battling the cold and wind, the view of the fireworks will be picturesque from Elliott Bay. Ahoy matey!
Wondering what’s in store for New Year’s at the Needle? Check out this footage of the 2010 New Year’s fireworks show, courtesy of PJtheFey.
While the weather today left the possibility of snow open, the forecast predicts mostly sunny skies on Friday, December 31, with a high of 40 degrees, a small chance of precipitation, and an overnight low of 28 degrees. So wherever you plan on watching the fireworks, the skies should be clear.
Have a favorite—and free—place to catch the fireworks? Comment below to add them to our list. Happy New Year!
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is preparing for the possibility of snow and ice on city streets again tomorrow. The forecast, which outlines temperatures just above freezing overnight tonight, could bring up to one-half inch of wet snow and the possibility of an additional inch of snow Wednesday morning.
After 10 p.m. tonight SDOT crews will proactively apply salt brine in roadway areas where frost or black ice is prone to develop, especially on bridges and other elevated structures around the city.
Starting at 4 a.m. tomorrow morning (Wednesday), SDOT spreader trucks will be prepositioned throughout the city, ready to spread rock salt on major arterial streets (primary snow routes, Levels 1 and 2) for the morning commute if conditions warrant.
SDOT’s snow plan calls for plowing when there is more than one inch of snow accumulated on roadways, which is not part of the forecast at this time.
Despite the potential for snow, University of Washington atmospheric scientist Cliff Mass says the likelihood that we’ll see a repeat of the snow and severe ice that blasted us on Thanksgiving week is low. He writes on his blog:
This is a VERY, VERY different situation than November 22nd. You will not see a powerful arctic blast associated with strong high pressure in British Columbia and a major coastal low over SW Washington. Temperatures will be far more marginal. Far less icing potential. But there COULD be some interesting wrinkles….like a chance for Puget Sound Convergence Zone snow.
Cliff estimates that “where precipitation is heavy enough, some snow showers could reach the surface, but nothing substantial.”
If the Convergence Zone is stronger than forecast then more snow could hit the Puget Sound lowlands. However, forecast temperatures are predicted to peak near 40F on Wednesday. This looks marginal to me…only heavy precipitation and the cooling associated with it…something that is not predicted… could bring several inches of snow to Seattle.
We will continue to monitor the evolution of this event, but right now it does not look serious event near sea level. Eastern suburbs could get few inches. Not an icing situation during the day…
High winds are causing power outages around the area. The east and west sides of the hill are without power.
This is a Seattle City Light map of current outages as of 7 a.m. Engine 8 was called out to 1400 Bigelow Ave N at 6:45 a.m. for reports of wires down. Our tipster Silver says a transformer blew and was hanging over the street. She says crews on the scene are calling it a “real mess.” Seattle City Light reminds people on their website that downed power lines are extremely dangerous and people should stay at least 20 feet away from them. According to the map, nearly 10,000 people are without power in Magnolia and Queen Anne.
Updated: Forecasters are calling for as much as 1 to 3 inches of snow today, mostly in the afternoon. KING 5 photographer @king5unit11 took this photo of snow flurries on the top of Queen Anne this morning:
The biggest traffic trouble spot right now is the Aurora Bridge, which is covered with ice. There have been two accidents so far (photo). SDOT says it has deployed its snow plows “to patrol snow routes and treat problem spots.”
Traffic camera updated every couple minutes at Queen Anne Ave. and Mercer
Today middle and high schools will start at the regular time, but will dismiss early at 12:35 p.m. This is due to the fact that snow is expected later in the afternoon. The elementary and K-8 Parent-Teacher conferences will proceed today as planned.
And here’s the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:
Cloudy with snow flurries this morning. Snow at times this afternoon. Snow accumulation 1 to 3 inches. Becoming windy. North wind 10 to 15 MPH increasing to 20 to 30 MPH this afternoon. Temperatures near 30.
Have traffic and weather updates of your own? Post them in comments below, and send us photos to tips@queenanneview.com.
Update: Metro buses will be on snow routes Monday morning in anticipation of a snowy commute. Here’s a link to the Metro site for details. Meanwhile, SDOT says it’s “applying salt brine to hills, curves, and known icy spots” on Sunday evening — hopefully here on Queen Anne — and has trucks on standby for the Monday commute. Looks like everyone is on full snow alert.
A few flurries are falling on Queen Anne (and some in Lower Queen Anne, as well), which is the first snow of the season here in Seattle. At first forecasters said it would be a fleeting non-event, but now the National Weather Service says we could end up seeing as much as “1 to 2 inches” through tomorrow.
If/when the snow begins to stick, send us some photos here at tips@queenanneview.com. And stay safe and warm out there!
Thursday is going to be hot. The National Weather Service (NWS) is expecting record-breaking temps to reach the mid-90s so a heat advisory has been issued from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“As temperatures climb into the 90s… sunstroke… heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. This is especially true for the elderly,” states the NWS Special Weather Statement. “Some precautions that will reduce the risk of heat related illness include but are not limited to… reducing strenuous activity… wear lightweight and light colored clothing… and drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids. Also… never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles during hot weather.”
The current record high for Thursday is 88 degrees set back in 1953, for Friday the record is 87 set in 1985 and 1952. After Friday, temperatures will start cooling back into the 70s and 80s for the weekend.
It’s true when they say that summer doesn’t start around here until after the 4th of July. Well it’s July 6th and summer is here. Right on time. The 5-day forecast from King5.com
Cliff Mass explains why there is a sudden shift in the weather pattern, “Two reasons: high pressure aloft is producing general sinking and warming of air (by compression) is the first. And there is easterly flow developing over the Cascades, which produces enhanced sinking (warming) on the western slopes.” You can read his entire explanation, complete with maps highlighting the weather over the next few days, on his blog.
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The weather forecast has been calling for more clouds and cooler temperatures, but we weren’t expecting the booming thunder and bright lightning!
