White Center Now: The blog about White Center

SCHOOLS: No changes listed so far for Highline Public Schools. For Seattle Public Schools, they’ve announced all schools will start on time and all buses will run regular routes.

BUSES: Metro is continuing to update its “adverse weather” page with changes for specific routes. Among them, the 54, which is listed right now (6:41 am) as “does not serve White Center.”

(54 bus in trouble earlier in West Seattle)
Metro has posted its first route changes here. Among them – 21 is not operating south of Roxbury right now.

The official forecasts promise it won’t last. However, given the difficulty of accurately forecasting around here, and the track record from the recent Snowmare ’08, take whatever action you must. Perhaps also a good idea to keep in mind that wind is supposedly to follow. Latest forecast here.

Just in from Seattle City Light – a news release saying what they’re doing, and what you should be doing, to be prepared – read on: Read the rest of this entry »

Since you’ll probably sleep through it, we’re just here to note that the wind kicked up in the area around 2 am. At 3 am, it’s gusting to 27 mph at the nearby official-measurement station at Boeing Field.

The afternoon forecast update is out and there’s still a good chance of strong wind tonight/tomorrow morning, with the possibility of another round on Friday. Here’s a link to keep an eye on: Seattle City Light’s latest list of outages. Nothing on there now. Let’s hope it stays that way.

An alert from King County late today: Report storm damage ASAP. Here’s how.

I don’t know what the weather services are using to measure wind speed, but they should try stepping out in it.  It is very gusty, I’m sure we have gusts well above 30 mph.  Be careful.

From King County, more important words of warning – about your roof. And be sure any storm drains around your house are cleared, too – until this all melts away and we are back to “normal,” there’s still a chance of trouble.

(Photo courtesy Jerry, taken at 14th SW and SW 116th)

KING COUNTY: Closures and changes updated here

METRO BUSES: Here’s today’s outlook

Looking out the window of the Cafe watching cars struggling in the snow and sludge.  Here’s some tips.  If you get stuck in a snow bank and your wheels are spinning, keep in mind that you are lacking traction.  Spinning your wheels will only make matters worse.  Rock the car back and forth – drive and reverse, drive and reverse.  Eventually, your wheels should get some traction and pull you out of the snow bank.  You can also take out the car’s mats and use them behind the wheels, but most times this only sends the mats flying around the wheel.

If your car starts to skid, DO NOT slam on the brakes.  Keep cool and steer towards the skid.  Feather the brakes, so that they start engaging.  It’s counterintuitive, especially if you are skidding towards a car, but it’s the best way to regain control of the car.

If you are going up a hill and your wheels start to spin, give it up.  Unless you have four wheel drive and/or chains, you are not going to make it up the incline.  Put your flashers and back down the hill in reverse.  Back around and find another way, preferably an arterial that has been cleared and sanded.

Do not follow too closely.  This should be obvious, but the number of people tailgating never ceases to amaze me.

Drive at an even clip.  Do not start or stop too fast.  If you are moving, your wheels will find traction even if you slip a bit.  Drive with your lights on and slow down if you see oncoming traffic or pedestrians.  Anticipating a problem will avoid it.

And most importantly, I don’t care if you have a four wheel drive with snow tires and chains, do not drive like an idiot.  Maybe you can move in the snow but that car crossing in the intersection may not be able to stop.  If you are driving too fast, four wheel drive will not help you.  Don’t drive like an idiot.  Be smart and stay safe.

Here’s the official overview.

5:54 AM: The route status page was updated just a few minutes ago.

6:33 AM: The King County closures list is updated – parks and pools including Steve Cox Park and Evergreen Pool remain closed.

On this snowy and cold Monday morning, Cafe Rozella is open.  Dropy by for your Mexican Mocha and shake off the cabin fever.

11:20 AM UPDATE: Got another note from Rick, who says they’ve gotten LOTS of help thanks to folks who read about this on WCN and/or partner site West Seattle Blog. However, we have another request in the WSB Forums for some White Center area volunteer help – read about it here.

ORIGINAL 6:21 AM POST: From White Center Food Bank executive director Rick Jump:

The White Center Food Bank has 300 families scheduled to pick up their holiday baskets on Monday and another 300 scheduled for Tuesday. Our plan is to be open for those with appointments but I will probably need some additional volunteers to make this happen. A few of our loyal volunteers showed up last Friday and we served 144 families (out of the 300 scheduled that day). We will be open from 10am to 6pm. If there is anybody who lives within walking distance of the food bank OR has a 4 wheel drive vehicle and can safely get there we would greatly appreciate the extra help. I will also need help shoveling the sidewalks and part of the parking lot to make it safe for those who show up. Please help spread the word.

WCFB is at 10829 8th SW; here’s a map.

(photo courtesy Alison – tend to your downspouts and storm drains when you can; eventually this will all melt)
Road/bus stories to share? Please add them in comments. Meantime, as of 4 am, Metro resumed updating its list of routes that are “suspended” and/or rerouted; see that (long) list here. Also, here’s the list of county road closures. Also note, Sound Transit has suspended 560 service between Burien and West Seattle; service alerts here.

9:41 AM UPDATE: If you have business to do in Burien, city hall is open limited hours today (more at rpin.org)

Known closures for Monday are now listed here – including Steve Cox Park and Evergreen Pool. More as we get it.

Right now a number of businesses are open in White Center, including Walgreens, Bartell, Pho 88, El Paisano, Taqueria Guaymas, Center Tool Rentals and, of course, Cafe Rozella.   If I have not included your business send me a message or call (206) 763-5805.

A fresh layer of heavy snow coming down.  There is a icy sugar glaze over last night’s snow.  Could be very trecharous so be careful.  Share your pictures.

Come on in for warmth, coffee and conversation.

Some info:

King County road reports can be found here — nothing listed in White Center as of this writing late Saturday night, but there is one in Boulevard Park.

Driving to the airport? A reader tells us Highway 509 is OK but Highway 518 is treacherous. More airport info here (the cell-phone lot is closed).