Monday snow leads to Tuesday school closures
Feb 3, 2019, 8:19 AM | Updated: Feb 5, 2019, 7:18 am
Monday saw Western Washington blanketed in snow, and come Tuesday, frigid temperatures are freezing all of what remains.
Just because the snow is done falling, doesn’t mean that it won’t be dangerous out on the roads. Because of that, a handful of school districts issued closures for Tuesday early Monday evening.
That includes the closure of all Bellevue schools on Tuesday, with the district citing freezing weather and unsafe road conditions. You can stay tuned to all school closures below:
School closings in the region
Check Seattle’s snow plow map
PHOTOS: Snow blankets Western Washington, snarls commutes
Temperatures will reach highs in the mid-30s on Tuesday, and lows around 20 degrees. Sunshine will arrive and remain through Tuesday and Wednesday.
Check power outages
Puget Sound Energy
Seattle City Light
Snohomish County
Tacoma
Updates from Monday’s snowy commute
—
5:45 p.m.
Some #records today with the snow & cold:
– Sea-Tac Airport: 1.7" of snow today ties record set in 1949
– Bellingham record low of 15°; old record 16° in 1989
– @NWSSeattle record low of 24°; old record 27° in 2014#WAwx— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) February 5, 2019
4:18 p.m.
A lot of questions on if a particular road/highway will be safe for travel. Our crews will be treating roads all night. Emergency responders will be helping at crashes/stalls. We need your help by slowing down on icy/slick roads. #teamworkmakesthedreamwork pic.twitter.com/jAcSvnwUEp
— Washington State DOT (@wsdot) February 5, 2019
3:52 p.m.
345pm #SitRep: The band that has been moving west toward the Puget Sound is beginning to weaken and fall apart as it nears the I-5 corridor. Some very light snow accumulation is still possible (mainly south of Renton/Issaquah) as we head into prime commute time. #wawx #wasnow pic.twitter.com/EfFmblV1xh
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) February 4, 2019
3:30 p.m.
A heads up for anyone driving on southbound I-82 between Ellensburg and Yakima:
#BREAKING: I-82 EB (heading south only) between Ellensburg and Yakima is closed due to multiple blocking collision at MP 21 (Yakima County). Traffic is being detoured at exit 3 to state route 821 until further notice.
— Trooper John Bryant (@wspd6pio) February 4, 2019
3:10 p.m.
On I-5 southbound at I-405 there is a collision blocking the 3 right lanes.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
3:00 p.m.
Due to icy road conditions, ST Express 577/578 will not serve Fairview Ave N & Thomas St or Boren Ave & Stewart St. Please use 9th Ave & Stewart St.
— TracyTaylorTraffic (@TracyTTraffic) February 4, 2019
10:24 a.m.
Southbound SR 7 Extension is closed while troopers, @wsdot_tacoma and tow trucks respond to clear out several abandoned vehicles.
Please be prepared for icy and snowy conditions IF YOU HAVE to head out today. #StayHome #LifeIsBetterAtHome pic.twitter.com/HAMutKLSNX
— Trooper Johnna Batiste (@wspd1pio) February 4, 2019
Our snow team and the airlines are working hard out there! Learn more about winter weather operations, the equipment we use, and what’s happening behind the scenes: https://t.co/VhycyBP6GJ #wasnow #wawx #seattlesnow pic.twitter.com/5glCl2HSzC
— Sea-Tac Airport (@SeaTacAirport) February 4, 2019
9:49 a.m.
Plows on Aurora! Sorry drivers we’ll be out of your way soon. pic.twitter.com/auX7mncXiy
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) February 4, 2019
It’s still snowing, but we’re down to just one lane blocked on NB I-5 near S. 56th Street in Tacoma. Please be prepared for winter driving conditions. pic.twitter.com/xkAY7iSmdp
— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) February 4, 2019
Wanna know which routes have been treated? Check out SDOT’s Winter Weather Snow and Ice Route Map! We’re committed to clearing snow from identified routes throughout the city within 12 hours of a lull in the storm. The map can help you know what to expect. https://t.co/jNvnnh5epH
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) February 4, 2019
9:40 a.m.
February 4, 2019: Seattle Center Monorail is open! Due to weather, we are operating with a modified schedule and will close early at 6:00pm. For Tuesday, we will reassess conditions early in the morning and post an update on our website if service is impacted.
— Seattle Monorail (@SeattleMonorail) February 4, 2019
9:28 a.m.
Great news: the EB 522 ramp to SB 405 is now open @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/3m51o3B3wa
— Rachel Calderon (@rachelkiro7) February 4, 2019
Great news: the EB 522 ramp to SB 405 is now open @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/3m51o3B3wa
— Rachel Calderon (@rachelkiro7) February 4, 2019
Transit Alert – Rt 78 will not operate this morning due to expected snowy or icy roads; https://t.co/zSuRSmN8Ry.
— King County Metro🚏❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️🚌🚎 (@kcmetrobus) February 4, 2019
Great advice from @BvueTrans. Please also keep plenty of distance from emergency vehicles. https://t.co/gd7BlnVK6i
— Bellevue Fire Dept (@BvueFD) February 4, 2019
9:15 a.m.
Winter weather conditions are causing delays on SB I-5 in Tacoma. The exit to SR 7 is closed until further notice. All available resources are responding to changing conditions. If you can stay off the roads, please do. pic.twitter.com/pGxnd2jh78
— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) February 4, 2019
9:10 a.m.
Sullivan notes that coming out of the new SR99 tunnel is an issue for some drivers. While there is no snow inside the tunnel, it can startle drivers as they exit.
Here’s a taste of the accumulation in the scenic Woodridge neighborhood, about 7 inches! Travel safely if you must travel today. pic.twitter.com/AG5DLGjaBb
— Bellevue Transpo (@BvueTrans) February 4, 2019
Please give our crews room to work! Here’s the status of SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd, taken by #MayorMaryLou from one of our snow plows. #wawx pic.twitter.com/xcQowRHY7K
— City of Issaquah (@cityofissaquah) February 4, 2019
9:05 a.m.
Current Traffic Conditions (9 AM)
🌨️Light NB/SB on I-5 into Downtown
🌨️Light NB/SB on SR 99
🌨️Light EB on West Seattle Bridge
🌨️Light on major roads in Seattle
⛔️Several roads closed due to weather.
⛔️For details go to: https://t.co/ioNQ4beOww— seattledot (@seattledot) February 4, 2019
In #MillCreekWA 132nd Street SE between 16th Ave SE and Dumas Road is closed in both directions, and Mill Creek Road between SR 527 and Village Green Drive is closed. This is due to very poor road conditions. DO NOT DRIVE AROUND POLICE PATROL CARS BLOCKING THE ROADWAY! pic.twitter.com/bUnDiuGwcE
— City of Mill Creek (@millcreekwa) February 4, 2019
Current road closures in #SnoCounty: 108th St NE — from 87th Ave NE to 67th Ave NE (Msville), 140th St NW — from 5th Ave NW to 5th Ave NW (Msville), Larson Rd — from Pioneer Hwy to Happy Valley Rd (Stanwood) #wasnow
— Snohomish Sheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) February 4, 2019
Collision on I-5 NB at milepost 130.7 near S 56th St beginning at 8:55 am on February 4, 2019 until further notice. The two left lanes are blocked.
— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) February 4, 2019
8:55 a.m.
Kent road closures:
James from 98th to Central
218th from 93rd to 98th
208th from 92nd & 96th
196th from 121st to 124th
42nd from 262nd to HamptonIf you don’t need to be out driving, stay home and be safe.
— Puget Sound Fire (@PugetSoundFire) February 4, 2019
Collision on 51st Ave S at S Barton Pl blocking all SB lanes. Use alt routes. pic.twitter.com/cvyEHhOChO
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) February 4, 2019
Collision on I-5 NB, at milepost 95.5 near Maytown Rd. Beginning at 8:47 am on February 4, 2019 until further notice. The two left lanes are blocked.
— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) February 4, 2019
8:50 a.m.
SB 167 has not moved in an hour into Sumner. Drivers are turning off their engines and bundling up. @wsdot_tacoma
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) February 4, 2019
Most of the short-range modeling has this snow tapering off around noon or 1pm. Another 1-3” of snow probable under the band around Puget Sound. #wawx #wasnow pic.twitter.com/EuGtdx6CyE
— Morgan Palmer (@MorganKIRO7) February 4, 2019
We don’t often see a white airfield, but when we do, we keep it clear! ❄️
Our airport employees are continuing to clear snow from the runway, taxiways, and gates. Remember to check with your airline for specific flight information. #wasnow #wawx pic.twitter.com/UmnSO4ShB3— Sea-Tac Airport (@SeaTacAirport) February 4, 2019
8:45 a.m.
Sullivan observed on a traffic camera that an all-wheel drive vehicle spun out on southbound I-5 in Everett. Once it came to rest facing the northbound direction, it started to drive against traffic in the northbound direction.
I’ve seen some bad ideas today, but this has got to be the worst. This guy spun out on SB 5 near Everett Mall, and is now driving the wrong way. He finally did stopped, but still, rule 1 … DON’T DRIVE THE WRONG WAY ON THE FREEWAY! pic.twitter.com/tRGar20VEz
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
SR167 continues to be a mess. Sullivan recommends staying off that route altogether.
8:30 a.m.
Currently on scene at 6 collisions in the county. Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. #DriveSafe #WAsnow
— Snohomish Sheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) February 4, 2019
Please stay home if at all possible. The roads in Tacoma are not in great shape for driving thanks to the snow and cold. Be careful out there!
— Tacoma Police Department (@TacomaPD) February 4, 2019
Transit Alert – Community Shuttle Route 635 between the Angle Lake Station and Des Moines Marina District will not operate this morning.
— King County Metro🚏❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️🚌🚎 (@kcmetrobus) February 4, 2019
Crash at stone and 40th pic.twitter.com/YlGPdVUziZ
— TracyTaylorTraffic (@TracyTTraffic) February 4, 2019
8:20 a.m.
Snow falling, steady band in Issaquah but still seeing people heading out to work, appointments etc maybe 4-8 inches on the ground depending where you are @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/muVRaBc1G2
— Ranji Sinha (@RanjiKIRO7) February 4, 2019
Current Traffic Conditions (8 AM)
❄️Moderate SB on I-5 into Downtown
🌨️Light NB on I-5 into Downtown
🌨️Light NB/SB on SR 99
🌨️Light EB on West Seattle Bridge
🌨️Light on major roads in Seattle
⛔️Several road closed due to weather.
⛔️For details go to: https://t.co/ioNQ4beOww— seattledot (@seattledot) February 4, 2019
Today’s Council Briefing scheduled for 9:30 a.m. has been cancelled due to the inclement weather. The Full Council meeting at 2 p.m. will still occur today.
— Seattle City Council (@SeattleCouncil) February 4, 2019
It’s cold & snowy but I’m headed into City Hall to do the people’s business! This morning’s Council Briefing was cancelled to make sure @SeattleCouncil’s staff can get here safely. Full Council meeting will still occur at 2pm today, Feb. 4. -MLG pic.twitter.com/ovxIm4WfkQ
— Councilmember M. Lorena González (@CMLGonzalez) February 4, 2019
8:10 a.m.
A lot of ramps this morning look like the W Lake Sammamish Pkwy to SR 520 ramp this morning. Note the car in the ditch on the left. Before you head out today, ask yourself – is this worth it? pic.twitter.com/5tMK5OfcjD
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
Our Camano Island radar still shows a significant band of snow just east of Seattle extending northward into Snohomish County. And there appears to be an early Valentine being sent by the radar to areas southeast of Seattle. #wawx pic.twitter.com/GDN5YdSZW5
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) February 4, 2019
SNOW UPDATE: If you don’t have to go anywhere today, please stay home. Crews now plowing primary and secondary routes. Please do not tailgate snow plows; leave plenty of following distance. Report roadway hazards to 24-hour Ops & Maintenance line: 425-452-7840. Be patient & safe!
— Bellevue Transpo (@BvueTrans) February 4, 2019
8:08 a.m.
Sullivan advises drivers to not travel on SR167 where the snow and crashes have basically halted traffic “especially in the southbound direction, you are not moving at all when you hit the Sumner and Puyallup area.”
“The freeways basically look like Snoqualmie Pass,” he added. “It’s ice and snow on the road.”
Sullivan also notes that I-5 looks fairly clear south of Lynnwood through Seattle, but north of that it continues to appear quite snowy.
8:03 a.m.
All Sounder north line trains will be delayed en route to Seattle due to high winds and high seas causing slow speed orders for all trains.
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) February 4, 2019
8 a.m.
Be cautious on your commute this morning – we have reports of slick roads in areas across the district.
This semi and it’s 20,000lb load tipped onto its side into the ditch on SB SR 3 at Loxie in #KitsapCounty. No injuries. Not blocking. #SlowDown #StayAlert #WaSnow pic.twitter.com/Pp1UcsJvdt
— Trooper Chelsea Hodgson (@wspd8pio) February 4, 2019
PLEASE stay home if you can! If you can’t, here are some tips if you feel your vehicle starting to lose traction…
❄️Let off the gas
❄️Steer the direction you want your car to go
❄️Wait for your vehicle to gain traction
❄️GENTLY apply acceleration #ButForReal #StayHome— Trooper Johnna Batiste (@wspd1pio) February 4, 2019
7:47 a.m.
Current Traffic Conditions (7:30 AM)
❄️Moderate SB on I-5 into Downtown
🌨️Light NB on I-5 into Downtown
🌨️Light EB on West Seattle Bridge
🌨️Light on major roads in Seattle
⛔️Several roads with steep grades are closed— seattledot (@seattledot) February 4, 2019
7:45 a.m.
This is the ramp from EB I-90 to 405, which is fully blocked. Ramps throughout the region are pretty slippery and we’re seeing several at least partially blocked. pic.twitter.com/axI41QLxrI
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
conditions around #SEA should begin to improve by this afternoon as snowfall diminishes and clouds begin to lift #WAwx – https://t.co/CZGW4iKf7W
— NWS CWSU Seattle (@NWSCWSUZSE) February 4, 2019
Very challenging conditions this morning. Avoid travel if possible #wawx #wasnow pic.twitter.com/K6arQeoRdO
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) February 4, 2019
7:30 a.m.
Minor delays right now for #Wenatchee on #Seattle/#Bainbridge & #Yakima on #Anacortes/#SanJuanIslands. Please use extra caution while driving or walking at our terminals and on our vessels today. And if you can, consider delaying your travel plans. pic.twitter.com/tEeq1MY0Ir
— Washington State Ferries (@wsferries) February 4, 2019
7:24 a.m.
The crash on southbound I-5 at the Boeing Freeway in Everett now only has the far right lane blocked. That will hopefully speed things up. there.
Sullivan says he knows SDOT snow plows are “hustling” this morning, but progress is slow. I-5 is especially bad.
Check Seattle’s plow map here to see which roads have been addressed.
We’ve got about 100 plows and trucks out between King County and the Canadian Border, so be careful around them. We had two trucks struck by other drivers last night, which takes them out of service.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
7:19 a.m.
There are more than two hour delays at Sea-Tac Airport.
It’s cold and snowing as of 430am. Crews are working hard to keep things clear. Be sure and check with your airlines for any delays to your specific flight. Stay warm everyone! https://t.co/gAD9JRRSiU
— Sea-Tac Airport (@SeaTacAirport) February 4, 2019
7:15 a.m.
KIRO 7 Meteorologist Nick Allard reports that the snow will continue in the Puget Sound region for a couple more hours before it starts to stop. It will take even longer for areas around the Olympic Peninsula. It will be sunny after that, but very cold.
Transit Alert – DART 628 Shuttle between North Bend to the Issaquah Highland Park-and-Ride are not in operation due to icy road conditions.
— King County Metro🚏🚎⛴ (@kcmetrobus) February 4, 2019
Crews have restored power to approx. 1,500 customers. 2,470 customers remain without power. Follow our outage map for updates: https://t.co/Vc5ALoUXI0
— Seattle City Light (@SEACityLight) February 4, 2019
7:05 a.m.
Three lanes of southbound I-5 in Everett, near the Boeing freeway, are blocked.
There are 11 miles of off and on crawling on the valley freeway (SR167).
7 a.m.
We’re now getting reports of some power outages thanks to the snowstorm. @SEACityLight has about 4,000 customers who are in the dark, and @PSETalk reports about 16,000 without electricity.
Get updates at https://t.co/Y1VBbdPvu9 and https://t.co/X78OeEAxQA#WAwx #WAsnow
— King County, WA (@KingCountyWA) February 4, 2019
6:55 a.m.
The NB 167 ramp to SB 405 in Renton is blocked by spinouts/collisions. pic.twitter.com/4BpCndFyoH
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
This is what it’s like right now in Bothell on I-405 at SR 522. If you’re thinking about going out, make sure you’re comfortable with conditions we aren’t use to in this area. If you set out and find you’re uncomfortable, turn around or find a parking lot to get off the road. pic.twitter.com/zEJBjovt2l
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
Beautiful morning – dangerous roads! Expect treacherous driving conditions. Today is not the day to learn how to drive in the snow… Stay home if possible. Be safe! pic.twitter.com/0uq58OkJxR
— Everett Police (@EverettPolice) February 4, 2019
6:50 a.m.
Sounder north line #1701 (5:45 am Everett departure) approx 60 min and #1703 (6:15 am Everett) approx 20 min delayed en route to Seattle
— KIRO Radio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) February 4, 2019
EB 18 at Issaquah-Hobart Road appears to be blocked by stalls/collisions. pic.twitter.com/AuaLp9aIAf
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) February 4, 2019
6:10 a.m.
Stay off the roads this morning if you can. Heavy snow continues from north of Seattle up to Mount Vernon. #wawx #wasnow pic.twitter.com/opYAyTFw0e
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) February 4, 2019
