Seattle (January 14, 2020) – Following additional overnight snowfall and freezing conditions, the City of Seattle is closely monitoring impacts to services. Overnight the City experienced snow flurries, leaving a trace to two inches of snow on the ground and some areas of ice.
Weather forecasts for the Seattle area shifted overnight and some models are predicting several more inches of lowland snow today and tonight. Temperatures remain below freezing and residents who must travel should use caution on streets, especially bridges and overpasses, sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb ramps.
Neighbors are encouraged to clear their sidewalks to prevent the buildup of snow and ice.
The following are updates from City departments:
Seattle Department of Transportation – City crews treated all winter response routes and arterials with salt last night. The majority of green and gold streets are safe to drive on with pavement bare and wet. Some neighborhood side streets are covered with snow. There may be ice under snow or on clear patches of pavement. Residents traveling by car, foot or other mode should use caution and check conditions before traveling.
S Bangor St between 53rd Ave S and 55th Ave S is closed and drivers are advised to avoid the area.
The City remains on 24/7, around-the-clock coverage and will continue patrolling snow routes today, salting and treating streets as necessary. Crews will respond to trouble spots and service requests from partner agencies and the public. To report an issue, the public can call 206-684-ROAD.
Seattle residents can help each other get around safely by keeping sidewalks and curb ramps clear, only driving if it’s critical, and following all street closed signs. For information on road closures, plowed roads, and planned snow response routes, please visit the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) live Storm Response Map.
Human Services Department –In addition to continuing to support the City’s shelters and tiny home villages, the City has expanded capacity and opened emergency shelters. Last night, there were approximately 350 individuals in emergency shelters at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, City Hall, and the King County Administration Building. While City Hall shelters and Seattle Center Exhibition Hall were at capacity last night, no one will be turned away from emergency shelter. The City has capacity to surge shelter approximately 600 spaces through the use of Seattle Municipal Tower and community centers. Parks and HSD will continue to monitor weather conditions and shelter capacity to determine if additional emergency sheltering resources are necessary.
Seattle Center Armory has and will continue to serve as a day-time warming center. Bertha Knight Landes at City Hall served as an early morning warming center the last two days and will continue to be open during the weather event. The Navigation Team was conducting outreach yesterday from 7am until 12am last night. Outreach will continue today and beyond during this cold weather event. The Navigation Team has large-scale transportation at the ready to transport individuals to shelter.
Families in need of shelter can contact Mary’s Place 24 hour Community Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at 206-245-1026. No families will be turned away, and transportation is available for those who need it.
Seattle Fire Department – The Seattle Fire Department responded to three overnight structure fires in the South end of the City. One was caused by an overheated extension cord, and the other two by overheated electrical. Residents should follow these tips to heat their home safely in the cold weather, and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning if the power goes out.
Firefighters responded to a 15-20 vehicle collision on the westbound 520 bridge last evening. There were no major injuries. Stay home if you can, assume roads are icy, and take extra precaution if you must drive.
The fire department continues to respond to reports of slips and falls on ice. Make sure to wear shoes with good tread, reflective gear at night, and keep hands free from pockets in case you need to break a fall. Check on your neighbors and keep sidewalks clear.
The Health One unit operated in the downtown core and Capitol Hill neighborhoods on Monday. They provided transportation as well as food and clothing outreach to unsheltered individuals.
Seattle Public Utilities – Due to unsafe road conditions, garbage, recycling, and food/yard collections are delayed in parts of Southwest Seattle and Northwest Seattle on Tuesday, Jan 14. Check online for the most recent updates about these delays and follow SPU on twitter @SeattleSPU.
If there is a delay, customers should set out their carts on their usual day and leave them out the following day. If their carts have not been collected by the end of the following day, they can set out double amounts on their next pickup day at no extra charge.
Seattle City Light – Seattle City Light did not see significant power outages overnight. The City is prepared with necessary equipment, supplies, chains for our trucks, etc., to respond to any outage. With a forecast of additional snow that can further weigh down tree branches, people should be prepared for potential outages. Should there be widespread outages, we have crews on standby ready to respond and we’ll work 24/7 until every single customer is back on.
Tips for staying safe in case of an outage:
- Be prepared for potential power outages with blankets, flashlights and batteries. And don’t forget to charge your devices so you can call if you need assistance, can keep an eye on the status with our online outage map (www.seattle.gov/light/outage) or pass the time.
- If you see a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and call 911.
- Avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by never bringing generators, camp stoves or barbeques indoors.
Seattle Center – Seattle Center Armory will maintain regular hours today, 7am-9pm, and serve as a warming center. Seattle Center Monorail will operate according to its regular schedule, 7:30am-9pm.
Customer Service Centers – All Customer Service Centers, including City Hall, Seattle Municipal Tower as well as the Animal Shelter will open on time today. The Mobile Customer Service Center will not being in service.
Seattle Public Schools – Seattle Public Schools will start two hours late today to allow time for road conditions to improve. The Seattle Department of Transportation is in contact with SPS.
Seattle Parks and Recreation – All parks are open. Community Centers and Pools will be open today but delayed on a case by case basis. Please check online for details about specific sites and programs. Early morning programs and early morning swim is cancelled.
Interbay and Jackson Golf courses are open for snow play if there is sufficient snow.
Seattle Preschool Program – Parents are encouraged to follow their preschool provider’s inclement weather policy. SPS-operated full day preschool, SPP, and Head Start have a two-hour delay and transportation will be operating on snow routes.
The Seattle Public Library – No impacts to service.
Seattle City Council – The Seattle City Council will operate on a regular schedule today.
Seattle Municipal Courts – Seattle Municipal Court will be open normal business hours today. Jurors summoned to report today should report by the time indicated on their summons. If not able to report, please contact the Jury Coordinator at (206) 684-5688. The public can find the latest information on the Seattle Municipal Court website or by calling 206-684-5600. \