Beginning this Friday (Dec. 18th) and continuing through New Year’s Eve, law enforcement in King County will join other local police to conduct “X-52″ patrols around the area, including the general Burien and Normandy Park areas.

“X-52″ stands for extra patrols 52 weeks per year, and the goal of the program is to reduce speeding and DUI-related traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the roads.

Other areas where the X-52ers will be out on Dec. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 31 include:

• Des Moines
• Federal Way
• Kent
• Federal Way
• SeaTac
• Algona
• Bellevue
• Black Diamond
• Carnation-Duvall
• Clyde Hill
• Covington
• Issaquah
• Kirkland
• Maple Valley
• Mercer Island
• Newcastle
• North Bend
• Pacific
• Port of Seattle
• Redmond
• Sammamish
• Seattle
• Snoqualmie
• Woodinville
• Washington State Patrol

Officers will look for people who drive after drinking or using drugs and arrest them, so if you tend to drink and drive…DON’T!

Washington Traffic Safety Commission is releasing $450,000 worth of grants to local law enforcement agencies to help them provide additional impaired driving and speed patrols every week of the year.

These sustained enforcement patrols will specifically target speed and DUI offenders, as well as look for other traffic violations. The program is being administered statewide through a network of community traffic safety task forces.

The X-52 program also includes initiatives designed to let the public know that these extra patrols are happening in Washington every week. $450,000 is budgeted for paid radio advertising and alternative messaging. Earned media efforts will be spearheaded by community traffic safety task forces.

“Traffic crashes kill or seriously injure hundreds of people in King County each year,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “By driving sober or planning safe rides home, you can protect yourself, family and friends.”

A total of 94 people died in King County traffic crashes in 2008, and an additional 669 people were seriously injured. In a 2006 survey of Seattle drinkers, the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center found that one out of five drinkers admitted to driving after drinking too much at least once in the past month.

Officers who participated in 2008 – 2009 X-52 patrols in King County made 5,061 contacts with dangerous drivers, wrote 3,619 traffic citations or infractions, and arrested 105 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Officers also made 14 arrests for felony crimes.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission funds all X-52 DUI patrols as one strategy delineated in “Washington’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Target Zero.” The goal of “Target Zero” is zero traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington State by 2030.

Two advisories were released Friday (Dec. 4th) – by the National Weather Service and King County, warning of “Arctic air” moving in as well as the possibility of “slick driving conditions” this weekend as temps drop down into the low 30s and upper 20s.

Sadly for most school-aged children, no snow is in the forecast (sorry kids…).

First, the National Weather Service’s “Special Weather Statement” released at 4:46pm 12/4:

… Cold weather to continue into next week for western Washington…

A secondary and stronger surge of cold air will filter into western Washington late this weekend. Temperatures will continue to run well below normal into late next week as Arctic high pressure slides south in western Canada allowing modified Arctic air into the area. High temperatures will remain in the 30s through most of next week with low temperatures well below freezing.

Snow showers are possible Saturday night as an upper low passes over the region. No accumulations are expected… except perhaps light accumulations for the northern shores of the Olympic peninsula where an upslope component and moisture picked up over the northern interior waters may produce accumulating snows late Saturday night and Sunday morning. Windy conditions will develop  Saturday evening through the first half of Sunday for the northern interior and Strait of Juan de Fuca as Fraser outflow increases.

And here’s King County’s warning on road conditions (link to the county’s road condition map here):

King County Road Alert Spotlight

The King County Road Services Division is alerting motorists of the possibility of slick driving conditions as temperatures cool and roads remain wet.

A brief rain shower that moved through parts of the county this afternoon may leave just enough moisture on some roadways to cause slick driving conditions tonight.

While many roads in unincorporated King County have been treated with anti-icing materials, motorists should still be on the lookout for icy stretches of roadway, especially in higher elevation areas and on bridges and overpasses.

If you are traveling tonight or early tomorrow morning, use extra caution and be prepared for winter driving.

And one more weather-related blurb to share, this one from noted Meteorologist Cliff Mass’ Blog on Thursday, Dec. 3rd

You have delicate plants…protect them. When the winds die down on Monday morning the temperatures could plummet on the western side into the teens in some locations. Maybe even colder Tuesday am. Good weather for plumbers–could have some frozen and bursting pipes.

And watch the action offshore! As the cold air moves over the relatively warm water there will developing cumulus activity…including showers. There will be lines of convection…should be impressive.

Monday and Tuesday will be cold and sunny. That’s far enough to forecast…but remember…sometimes the most interesting weather happens when a cold spell ends. I won’t even mention that unspeakable four letter word: S**W. Don’t even think about it.

The National Weather Service issued a “Special Weather Statement” at 4:30pm Thursday (Nov. 12th), warning of a “vigorous cold front” hitting the area Friday morning, bringing rain, wind and snow to the mountains.

Could this be the first breath of ol’ man winter?

Here’s the statement:

… Active weather day expected Friday…

A vigorous cold front will pass southeast across western Washington Friday morning… bringing Rain… Mountain snows… locally windy conditions and possibly snow showers to parts of The Lowlands.

South winds in advance of the front will increase late tonight into early Friday morning… mainly along the coast and parts of the northwest interior including the Admiralty Inlet region. Wind speeds in those areas are expected to reach 20 to 30 mph with a few gusts to 45 mph… mainly in and around the Island County area. After the front passes… winds will become west to southwest down the Strait of Juan de Fuca and across the northwest interior before diminishing through the afternoon. While below Wind Advisory criteria… wind of this strength could blow down a few tree limbs here and there with isolated power outages.

Colder air will surge in behind the front and lower already low snow levels across the region. During the morning hours ahead of the front the snow level will be around 1500 to 2000 feet. The snow level will then gradually drop through the day to around 500 feet by evening. This means some of the highest hills around the region could see a few snow showers late Friday into Friday evening. However… outside of the mountains or the immediate Cascade foothills… little to no snow accumulation is expected.

Dry and tranquil weather will return to the region late Friday night into Saturday.

The National Weather Service issued a “Special Weather Statement” Tuesday Nov. 3rd at 4:57pm, warning of “very strong” winds and rain hitting the area Thursday (Nov. 5th) with gusts possibly as high as 50mph.

Here’s the warning in all its glory:

Statement as of 4:57 PM PST on November 03, 2009

… Windy conditions for the mountains… coast… and northern interior Thursday…

A strong Pacific frontal system will impact western Washington on Thursday. Breezy southeasterly winds on Wednesday night will become south-southwest on Thursday for the north interior and coast increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gust as high as 50 mph.

Winds just above the surface will be very strong on Thursday. Ridgetop winds for the Olympics and lower south facing slopes will range from 45 to 65 mph with higher gusts possible. Ridgetop winds along the southern slopes of the Cascades will also be windy… with sustained winds up to 50 mph possible. The strong winds will also be accompanied by heavy rains… combining for dangerous conditions in the mountains.

So…considered yourself warned, and batten down the blue tarps hatches B-Town.

Somewhere, somebody cranked the master thermostat waaaay the flip up, with temps in the 80s Monday and predicted to hit a major, possible record-breaking high between 99 and 106(!) on Wednesday.

While the city of Burien doesn’t have an official “cooling center” (hey city, what gives?) there are numerous places around with air conditioning that you can take advantage of; here’s a list (more listed at the King County website):

BURIEN:

• King County Library branch on SW 152nd and 4th SW (as well as any KCLS branch in the area)
• Any bar/restaurant/coffee shop that doesn’t have its windows open (your first clue to A/C use)
• Stores – stay cool by going from store to store around town!
• The myriad of beaches around town, especially Seahurst Park Beach

DES MOINES:

• City Cooling Shelter at the Activity Center (Senior Center)
  2045 S. 216th Street
  Des Moines
  Open for Des Moines and Normandy Park residents, Monday-Thursday this week from 11:00am to 9:00pm. The shelter accommodations are minimal, water will be provided at the shelters but no food will be available. Small pets in carriers will be allowed but the owner is responsible to provide food, water and bowls for the animals.  Pets will be required to remain in their carriers will inside the shelter. An information phone number with recorded information has been set up at (206) 870-6719.

TUKWILA:

• Tukwila Community Center
  12424 42nd Avenue South
  6:15am. – 9pm (Monday – Thursday)
  Phone: 206-768-2822
• Tukwila Aquatic Playground
  12424 42nd Ave South
  Tukwila, WA 98168
  Website: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/recreation/recbrochure.html
• Southcenter, where “it’s always a beautiful day” (and a cool one this week)
• Tukwila Pond (go ahead and jump in, it’s not just a swamp…)

SEATAC:

• SeaTac Community Center
  13735 24th Avenue South
  SeaTac, Washington 98168
  Phone: 206.973.4680

FEDERAL WAY:

• Federal Way Community Center
  876 S. 333rd Street
  5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (weekdays)
  7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Saturday)
  10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Sunday)
  Phone: 253-832-6900
• Wild Waves Water Park (cost involved)
  36201 Enchanted Pkwy
  Federal Way
  Phone: (253) 925-8000

AUBURN:

• Auburn Senior Center
  808 9th Street SE
  8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday
  Crated/caged pets welcome.Some pet cages available for those who don’t have them.
  Phone: 253-931-3016

• Auburn Library
  1102 Auburn Way S
  10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
  Phone: 253-931-3018

• Auburn City Hall
  25 W Main
  8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday
  Crated/caged pets welcome. Some pet cages available for those who don’t have them.
  Phone: (253) 931-3033

For all you weather nerds out there, here’s a link to a new UW website called “probcast.com” that will do customized forecasts based on zip codes; here’a a screenshot of what we can expect for 98166 – note Wed.’s predicted high of 101!:

An Excessive Heat Warning will remain in effect until 6pm Thursday, July 30th; this means that a period of dangerously hot temperatures is expected which can lead to heat related illnesses. Anyone can be overcome by extreme heat, but some people are at higher risk than others. They include the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases

Signs and symptoms of heat related illness may vary but can include:

• heavy sweating
• paleness
• muscle cramps
• tiredness
• weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• fainting

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is urging people to take precautions and monitor themselves and others for signs and symptoms of heat related illness and call for medical aid as necessary.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and stay in air-conditioned buildings such as public libraries and community centers, malls and movie theaters. Check on relatives and neighbors, particularly those with health issues. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down.

More hot weather safety tips are available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat

BTB Reader Philip Kelley sent us the pic below, and says:

“Of course, one way to beat the heat is with an ice cream cone.

I think I saw these two headed off toward Three Tree Point afterwards, probably to munch on a Mini Cooper…”

The National Weather Service issued the following Advisory Wed. morning about potential snow showers coming tonight/Thursday:

Statement as of 4:21 AM PST on February 25, 2009

… Local snow showers are expected over the western Washington lowlands late tonight and Thursday…

A cooler air mass will move into western Washington tonight… and it will be cold enough for showers to fall locally as snow or rain and snow mixed across the western Washington lowlands late tonight and Thursday.

Widespread snow accumulations are not expected… and high temperatures Thursday will reach the lower to mid 40s. However spotty accumulations of 1 or 2 inches are possible mainly in the northwest interior… along Hood Canal… and in the southwest interior late tonight or Thursday morning.

So be prepared…ol’ man winter might be making one final appearance!

More info/links:

• National Weather Service Weather Discussion Page
• Cliff Mass’ Weather Blog

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna has released this alert, about a telephone scam in which Spanish-speaking callers claim to be from “the insurance agency”:

Callers claim to be from “the insurance agency”

SEATTLE – The Washington Attorney General’s Office is alerting residents about a phone scam in which Spanish-speaking callers claim to be representatives of an insurance company.

Hispanic business owners from Seattle to Yakima and Spokane have reported receiving phone calls from Spanish-speaking callers who claim to be from “the insurance company.” In some cases, the callers also provide the names of actual insurance companies and/or agents.

The callers ask for bank account information they claim is needed to process insurance payments. The callers have left messages if owners aren’t home, along with phone numbers that start with 800, 877 and 752 area codes.

At least two individuals provided bank information to their cons, according to Unico Insurance Agency in Woodinville, which reported the fraud to the Attorney General’s Office. Company owner Carlos Garces said he has received more than 200 calls from customers, primarily restaurant owners, in recent months inquiring about phone calls. In some cases, the cons have mentioned his name. Garces said he is doing what he can to protect his customers and telling them to contact their bank if they provided any information.

The owner of a Spokane grocery store and deli also contacted the Attorney General’s Office after receiving more than 10 calls from individuals who claimed to be associated with various insurance companies. He said the callers, both men and women appeared to be friendly and tried to build up his trust. They claimed they needed to send an investigator to the business. The owner recognized the scam and did not provide any personal information.

As a reminder, never provide your bank account, Social Security number or other personal information to someone who asks for it by phone, e-mail or text message.

If you believe a call might be legitimate, ask for the caller’s name and contact details then end the conversation. Call the business directly using the number on your insurance card, statement or in the phone book.

If you believe you may have provided information in response to a fraudulent phone call, report the information immediately to your bank and place a fraud alert on your credit report.

To read this in Español, click here.

Just when you thought that 2008 couldn’t get any worse as far as winter weather goes comes this new Advisory about another “strong storm” that could blow away your New Year’s Eve hangover this Thursday and Friday:

… Another strong storm could potentially bring windy weather to parts of western Washington Thursday through Friday…

A strong storm system is expected to arrive in two parts Thursday and Thursday night bringing a threat of heavy Rain… Mountain snow… and possibly high winds to parts of western Washington. National Weather Service computer models continue to indicate a high degree of uncertainty regarding the strength and track of the incoming weather system. Latest models have trended toward a weaker surface low tracking into the far south or central Washington coast… and due eastward across the south or central sound. At this time it appears a southern track is more likely… putting the area at greatest risk of high winds over Oregon and extreme southern Washington. The rest of Washington would experience breezy to locally windy conditions at times… especially across the Washington coast south of Aberdeen. If the system tracks slightly further north… high winds could be experienced south of a line from near Kalaloch along the central Washington coast to Tacoma. South winds in this less likely scenario could reach 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph.

Snow will be heavy at times in parts of the Cascades Thursday through Friday resulting in difficult travel conditions and a high avalanche danger. Refer to the latest winter storm and avalanche statements for details.

River flooding across the far southern lower elevation basins is also possible. It appears the skokomish and Chehalis river are at greatest risk of flooding. There could also be areas of urban and small stream flooding affecting the Metro corridor… especially from Everett southward… where the highest rainfall amounts are expected. Refer the latest flood statements for details in the event watches or warnings are issued.

This is a rapidly evolving and complex storm system. A lot of uncertainty still exists so current forecasts should be monitored closely. For more information listen to NOAA Weather Radio or visit www.Weather.Gov/Seattle for the latest statements regarding this storm. People planning travel across the Cascade passes should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions at times through Friday.

Apparently two – count ‘em – two major storms are moving into the Northwest overnight and tomorrow, and here’s the latest “Wind Advisory” from the National Weather Service, which is predicting gusts up to 50mph:

A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 7 am PST Wednesday.

A strong Pacific frontal system will move onto the Washington coast late this evening and across the interior after midnight. South winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph this evening… .then shift to southwest and slowly decrease by Wednesday morning. Expect the strongest winds over the east Strait to occur behind the front after midnight… where southwesterly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph are expected.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds of 30 to 39 mph or gusts of 45 to 57 mph are likely. Winds this strong can snap small tree branches… topple small or shallow rooted trees… and cause local power outages.

And what goes better with a major “Wind Advisory” than a warning from Seattle City Light with the UPPERCASE words: “CITY LIGHT RECOMMENDS CUSTOMERS GET READY” in the title? Notice how they didn’t toss this out Monday morning before we received those surprising, sudden 40+mph gusts:

National Weather Service forecasting gale force winds

SEATTLE – Seattle City Light is preparing its crews for a series of winter wind storms heading our way today through Friday. The storms are expected to bring rain and strong winds to the Puget Sound area through the weekend.

“Living in the Pacific Northwest means you need to be ready for winter storms,” City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said. “Our crews are ready so that if this storm causes any outages, we can restore power as quickly as possible. We have been busy throughout the year clearing tree branches from more than 300 line miles of power lines. Even so, we want our customers to be ready in the event an outage.”

The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Advisory today with a forecast for wind gusts up to 35 mph this evening. A storm with more intense winds is predicted to hit our area on New Years day.

City Light has crews ready to respond and the supplies that may be needed should there be a significant wind event. “We’ve asked the Call Center to remain open tonight,” says Chris Heimgartner, Energy Delivery and Customer Care Officer for City Light. “We are prepared for the possibility of outages occurring throughout our service territory and we can have back-up help available to us quickly if there is significant wind damage. Our main concern is the saturated ground from the snow and rain. Similar to 2006, this can bring down whole trees onto power lines.” City Light has written agreements with other utilities in the region and throughout the West to send back-up crews should the outages and damage be widespread.

If a large-scale storm event occurs, residents should be ready with emergency supplies for at least three days. Items to include are a hand-crank or battery-operated flashlight and radio, fresh batteries, a survival blanket, a first aid kit, pocket tissues and hand sanitizer wipes.

City Light reminds customers to be safe. Downed lines can be dangerous. Also, City Light urges customers to be prepared for any possible outages. Here’s what customers can do if they experience a power outage:

• Do not get within 10’ of any downed wire. Wires should always be assumed to be “live” and dangerous. If someone seeks a downed wire, they should call (206) 706-0051;
• 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;
• Have an emergency power outage kit available and well-stocked. There should be sufficient supplies to last three days for every family member and family pets. Make sure all batteries are fresh. To find out what to put into a kit, go to www.takewinterbystorm.org;
• 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;

So…are you ready this time?

Personally, we think this new “Wind Advisory” should’ve been issued Monday around 11:30am (when gusts hit 43mph at Sea-Tac Airport) but we’ll take what we can get, right?

And what we’ll get is wind. Lots of wind. Which means…potential power outages, so be prepared folks.

And now, here’s the latest Weather/Wind Advisory from the National Weather Service:

… Wind Advisory in effect for the interior lowlands from 6 PM this evening to 7 am PST Wednesday…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Wind Advisory… which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 7 am PST Wednesday.

A strong Pacific frontal system will move onto the Washington coast around midnight tonight and inland by early Wednesday morning. The strongest winds across most inland areas will occur ahead of the front… with southerly 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph possible. Expect the strongest winds over the east Strait to occur with the front after midnight… where southwesterly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph are possible.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds of 30 to 39 mph or gusts of 45 to 57 mph are likely. Winds this strong can snap small tree branches… topple small or shallow-rooted trees… and cause local power outages.

A big new winter storm is barreling towards us, and will strike sometime Saturday, Dec. 20th, possibly around “dinner time,” possibly earlier.

I heard a live broadcast on the radio thingy this afternoon from a spokesman for the National Weather Service, and what he said made me drive to McLendon’s and buy a kerosene heater. He used phrases like “major event” “up to 75-90 mph gusts” and this clincher: “possible life-threatening situation in places.”

Then I harkened back to two previous winter events: one in 1995 when power was out for about a week, and the other from two years ago when it was out for 4-1/2 days.

I have a feeling I’ll be thanking McLendon’s come Sunday night.

Here’s the latest winter weather advisory (as of 3:59pm 12/19/08) courtesy the National Weather Service:

… Winter Storm Warning in effect from 4 PM Saturday to 4 PM PST Sunday…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Storm Warning… which is in effect from 4 PM Saturday to 4 PM PST Sunday. The Winter Storm Watch is no longer in effect.

A major winter storm is on tap this weekend. Heavy snow is expected to develop along the coast on Saturday afternoon and then spread into the interior of western Washington early Saturday evening. Heaviest snow will occur on the Kitsap peninsula… along Hood Canal… and from Olympia and Chehalis west to the central coast near Ocean Shores. 10 to 18 inches of snow is expected close to Hood Canal. Other locations within this area should get 5 to 12 inches of snow.

Along the I-5 Corridor North of Tacoma… including Seattle and Everett… storm-total snowfall of 4 to 8 inches is expected. Western Skagit and Whatcom counties should receive about 3 to 5 inches of snow. In general… lighter amounts will occur near the Cascade foothills with heavier amounts further west along the shores of Puget Sound. Some parts of eastern King County… where wind is a big threat… will receive 1 inch or less of snowfall.

Late Saturday night and Sunday morning… locations from Tacoma on south through Lewis County and west to the coast are expected to mix with sleet and freezing rain. Freezing rain is most likely in Grays Harbor County and the lower Chehalis valley. If more precipitation occurs in the form of freezing rain than snow… then an ice storm would be possible with ice accumulations in excess of one-quarter inch. This is not a certainty but should be kept in mind. Ice storms are capable of causing power lines and large tree branches to snap and cause major travel disruptions.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow… sleet… and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

Just when you thought the worst was over comes this brand spankin’ new Winter Weather Advisory (as of 4:58 12/18/08)  from the National Weather Service – basically, another, even more powerful storm is coming this weekend, with snow, sleet and lots of wind:

… Major winter storm should impact western Washington from late Saturday afternoon through Sunday…

After the current round of snow showers is gone… the next weather system to impact western Washington will arrive on the coast on Saturday afternoon and spread inland on Saturday night. This system will contain a lot of moisture and should bring a wide variety of winter weather conditions to all of western Washington.

Perhaps the most significant impact will be potentially destructive winds in the Cascades and the east Puget Sound lowlands. See the high wind watch issued by this office.

This system will contain a lot of moisture as it spreads over the cold air mass in place. Precipitation should first start in the form of snow as it spreads inland. Heaviest snow amounts should take place along the central coast… in the lower Chehalis valley… over the Kitsap peninsula and the southwest interior.

Snowfall totals could exceed 6 inches for many locations with a few locations reaching a foot in a few places. Strong east winds could then cause blowing and drifting of snow.

Elsewhere… including the Seattle-Tacoma-Everett corridor… snow accumulations are expected but amounts will be less.

Later Saturday night and Sunday morning… a layer of warm air aloft will overspread sub-freezing air at the surface. This could cause snow to mix with or change to sleet and freezing rain… mainly south of a line from Ocean Shores to Everett. If more precipitation falls in the form of freezing rain as opposed to snow… then significant icing in excess of one-quarter inch would be possible in these areas. Ice accumulations of this magnitude can cause power lines to snap… bring down large tree branches… and cause widespread travel disruptions.

Temperatures on Sunday afternoon are forecast to rise a little above freezing for most of the western Washington lowlands… so the threat of freezing rain would end at that time.

This has the potential to be a significant winter storm for much of western Washington. Many of the exact details remain uncertain… so check back for the latest forecasts… watches and warnings as the details of this event become more solid.

Regardless of the details… be prepared for winter weather and significant weather-related disruptions this weekend starting Saturday afternoon.

Note how the forecast mentions “south of a line from Ocean Shores to Everett”?

Here’s a map of that line, and notice where Burien is located:

So…are you ready for this one?

3:30pm UPDATE: Still snowing in Burien (although lighter down near the water) and our own estimate as to accumulation is between 4 and 5 inches, as measured on top of the official Mini Cooper Blogmobile and a backyard table.

Here are some snow photos taken by BTBers Scott Schaefer and Janet Grella:

More snow photos coming soon. If you have some, please either email us directly or add ‘em to our Flickr Group so we can share them.

PREVIOUS UPDATES:

12:25pm UPDATE: Highline Public Schools is sending its middle and high school students home early; here’s their bulletin:

• Buses will pick up students at Puget Sound Skills Center at 11:45 a.m. and return them to their high schools.
• High schools will be dismissed at noon.
• Middle schools will be dismissed at 12:30.
• Emergency bus stops will be used on all bus routes.
• All after-school and evening activities, sports, and events and evening building use have been canceled.
• Also, we hope to make decisions about tomorrow this evening.

11:25am UPDATE: The snow is still falling (harder now) in and around Burien; looks like we’re close to 2-3 inches down by the water, which usually is half of what’s accumulating up in the main B-Town area; Postal Service has delivered though (nuthin’ stops them), and according to BTB Reader Jenn Ramirez-Robson:

“Road conditions are getting treacherous in and around Burien. 2 inches in Shorewood and cars spinning out everywhere. No one should drive unless they absolutely have to.”

Jenn also alerts us to this rather interesting statement from the Highline School District’s website:

Due to late developing snow, we have closed all elementary schools today. Because weather conditions worsened after secondary students were already in school or en route to school, we have decided to keep all middle schools and high schools open today. We will monitor conditions throughout the day and determine whether an early release is necessary.

School delay or closure decisions are very difficult to make because they must be made very early in the morning with the best information we have at the time. We recognize that schedule changes, especially late-breaking ones, create many difficulties for families and employees. We regret the inconvenience. Please know that we make these decisions with student safety as our primary consideration.

Have some snow photos to share? Please either email us or add ‘em to our Flickr Group so we can share them.

8:48am UPDATE: ALL HIGHLINE GRADE SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED TODAY, while Middle & High Schools will have a 1-hour delay.

Here’s the latest school info (our source is http://www.schoolreport.org):

• Highline School District: ALL GRADE SCHOOLS CLOSED; MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS 1 HOUR LATE
  Limited Bus Transportation. No Out-of-District Transport.
• John F. Kennedy High School: CLOSED
• St. Francis of Assisi: CLOSED. All Activities Canceled
• Hamlin-Robinson School: CLOSED
• Westside School: CLOSED
  
• Seattle Public Schools: CLOSED
• Tukwila Public Schools: CLOSED
• Federal Way SD: 2 HOURS LATE
  Emergency Bus Routes, No AM Kindergarten, Preschool, or Shuttles. No AM/PM HDST, ECEAP, ELO, or Puget Sound Skills, No Activity Buses, No Elementary Breakfast Programs, No Out-of-District Transportation.

And here’s the latest from the National Weather Service:

… Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 am PST this morning…

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Seattle Bremerton area… the Tacoma area… and the Hood Canal area until 10 am PST this morning.

Snow showers will continue this morning then decrease this afternoon. Additional accumulations will be around an inch. North winds pushing southward across the Puget Sound region will converge with pre-existing south winds… causing snow showers to form. In addition… snow showers moving inland from the coast will cross the south part of Puget Sound.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities… and use caution while
driving.

Also, if you have to drive anywhere outside of Burien, please don’t – or at least check the webcams below (for latest images refresh your browser window):

Also keep your eye on the Weather Button on the right sidebar for the current temp and any new weather “Advisory.”

NOTE: THIS POSTING IS FROM DEC. 16, 2008:

The latest National Weather Service winter storm warning was released today (Tuesday, Dec. 16th) at 3:43pm, and it goes something like this:

…Winter Storm Watch now in effect from late tonight through Thursday morning…

The Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from late tonight through Thursday morning for the central Puget Sound area southward as well as the central coast.

Although everywhere in western Washington will get some snow…some areas may not get heavy snow… or if they do… it will begin a little later. For these areas… which include the Seattle/Bremerton area… Tacoma and vicinity… the southwest interior… the lower Chehalis valley… the Hood Canal area… and the central coast… a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect.

Forecasts call for up to 2 inches of snow in these areas on Wednesday… and another inch or two could fall Wednesday night. There is uncertainty about the amount of snow that could fall over these areas but the watch could be changed to a warning later.

Precautionary/preparedness actions… monitor weather forecasts and Road conditions carefully. Stay indoors if at all possible. Travel is likely to be adversely impacted Wednesday into Thursday and possibly longer.

The National Weather Service issued another winter storm watch Monday at 3:28pm, and this one looks like it could dump some real, heavy snow – 3-6 inches by Wednesday night!

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Storm Watch…which is in effect from late Tuesday night through late Wednesday night.

Heavy snow is likely over western Washington on Wednesday. Three to six inches are possible in certain areas… including the east Puget Sound lowlands… the northwest and southwest interiors… and the Strait of Juan de Fuca area. Snow in these areas will begin in the north late Tuesday night and spread south Wednesday morning.

By Wednesday night three to six inches of new snow are possible.

Other areas… including the Seattle metropolitan area and the Kitsap peninsula… could get less snow. Here models show one or two inches are possible. On the coast it is possible that conditions will be warm enough for rain part of the time… or mixed rain and snow. However it is not certain that sub-warning amounts will fall in these areas and the Winter Storm Watch extends to them as well.

The Cascades and Olympics will also receive heavy snow… with one or two feet of new snow likely.

Snow levels will be at sea level through much of the event so virtually all of the precipitation will be in the form of snow.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

Monitor weather forecasts. If you have to travel…Tuesday is likely to be a much better day than Wednesday.

The much-hyped snow has finally arrived in Burien, and it’s falling now, in case you’re stuck inside somewhere without a window.

Photo above was taken just after 9pm Saturday night Dec. 13th, and we have a feeling this light dusting may go on for a while.

But it’s not the snow that should concern B-Towners, it’s the ding-dang frigid cold blasting down out of the Fraser Valley of BC that’s going to be the problem. This big chill is being called the worst in 18 years, so everyone should take it very seriously.

After all, the National Weather Service has issued the following warning, which is in ALL CAPS:

..THE LONGEST STREAK OF COLD WEATHER SINCE DECEMBER 1990 IS ON THE WAY…WHILE THE POSSIBILITY OF LOWLAND SNOW SHOWERS IS IN THE FORECAST AT TIMES OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS…IT IS THE FRIGIDLY COLD TEMPERATURES EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT WEEK THAT COULD HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT ON WESTERN WASHINGTON.

AN ARCTIC AIR MASS WILL STREAM INTO WESTERN WASHINGTON TONIGHT AND SUNDAY…IN THE WAKE OF AN ARCTIC FRONT MOVING SOUTH THROUGH THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON. TEMPERATURES WILL FALL BELOW FREEZING ACROSS WESTERN WASHINGTON TONIGHT WITH MANY SPOTS DIPPING INTO THE LOWER TO MID 20S. MOST OF THE REGION WILL REMAIN BELOW FREEZING ON SUNDAY WITH AFTERNOON HIGHS ONLY IN THE MID 20S TO LOWER 30S. IN ADDITION WINDY CONDITIONS WILL ACCOMPANY THE ARRIVAL OF THE ARCTIC AIR MASS TONIGHT AND SUNDAY…ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTH INTERIOR OF WESTERN WASHINGTON.

SNOW SHOWERS TONIGHT AND SUNDAY COULD PRODUCE LOCAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES…CREATING SLIPPERY ROADS AND SIDEWALKS. ROADWAYS AND OTHER SURFACES THAT ARE ALREADY WET WILL QUICKLY BECOME ICY AND DANGEROUS. THE FRIGID WEATHER COULD BURST OUTDOOR PIPES AND ENDANGER PETS AS WELL. WIND CHILL IS ANOTHER THING THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED. IN THE NORTHWEST INTERIOR THE COMBINATION OF SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND WINDY CONDITIONS WILL CREATE APPARENT TEMPERATURES NEAR ZERO DEGREES FAHRENHEIT…LOW ENOUGH TO CAUSE FROSTBITE TO EXPOSED SKIN.

TEMPERATURES WILL DROP FURTHER ON MONDAY…AS VERY COLD AIR CONTINUES TO FUNNEL THROUGH THE FRASER RIVER VALLEY OF SOUTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA AND INTO WESTERN WASHINGTON. BY MONDAY…DAYTIME HIGHS WILL GENERALLY REACH ONLY THE 20S WITH NIGHTTIME LOWS IN THE TEENS OR LOWER. THE COLD AIR MASS WILL SIT OVER THE REGION FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK…WITH MOST ALL OF WESTERN WASHINGTON REMAINING NEAR OR BELOW FREEZING EVEN DURING THE DAYTIME. THIS WILL LIKELY BE THE MOST PROLONGED STREAK OF SUB-FREEZING WEATHER SINCE DECEMBER 1990.

IN ADDITION…A WEATHER SYSTEM ON WEDNESDAY COULD INTERACT WITH THE STUBBORN COLD AIR MASS TO PRODUCE A RENEWED THREAT OF ACCUMULATING SNOW ACROSS THE WESTERN WASHINGTON LOWLANDS. OVER THE MOUNTAINS…TEMPERATURES WILL FALL INTO THE TEENS AND SINGLE DIGITS TONIGHT AND REMAIN VERY COLD FOR MUCH OF THE WEEK AHEAD. WIND CHILL VALUES OF 20 BELOW ZERO CAN BE EXPECTED AT TIMES…WHICH WOULD CAUSE FROSTBITE TO EXPOSED SKIN IN ONLY ABOUT 15 MINUTES. PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR AN UNUSUALLY PROLONGED AND INTENSE PERIOD OF COLD WINTER WEATHER.

As of 8:30pm Friday night (Dec. 12th), Seattle City Light crews have restored power to Burien, the last large outage from today’s storm that once affected 4,000 customers.

During the afternoon, more than 8,000 customers lost power in City Light’s service area.

The range of the outage started on the north at South Director Street to SW 150th Street on the south; and on the east from 12th Ave. South to the west at 25th Ave SW.

Seattle City Light says they’re prepared for any further outages due to wind or cold, and they also offer up this warning:

In the event of a large-scale outage, residents should be ready to fend for themselves for at least three days.

One of the best steps is to assemble an emergency kit with at least three days of food and water for each person in the family and any family pets. Other items to include are a 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 complete list of what to include, please visit http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/.

City Light also reminds people that barbecue grills and emergency generators should never be operated indoors. Doing so could cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. If you lose power, dress in layers to stay warm and seal up drafty windows and doors to slow the loss of heat in your home.

Our advice:

• Stock up Saturday on groceries (for the entire week – see weather warning below) before it gets too cold and the roads become difficult
• Go to McLendon’s and get some wrap to use on your water pipes and do some serious winterizing around the house
• Make sure your car has anti-freeze
• Get ready for no school on several days this coming week (perhaps)
• Be prepared to stay home if indeed the snow and ice arrive
  

The Weather Service is predicting up to a week or longer of a major cold snap starting Saturday, and they’re calling it “the coldest since 1990″:

An Arctic cold front will move south through western Washington on Saturday…pulling in much colder air in its wake. The front will first arrive over the north interior early in the morning…where Fraser outflow winds will pick up on Saturday morning… bringing in very cold and very windy conditions. As the front slips further south during the day with unsettled conditions continuing…snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible for much of The Lowlands on Saturday afternoon and evening. With the passage of the cold front… daytime temperatures will actually fall. As temperatures fall below freezing… wet surfaces could quickly become icy… so be sure to watch your footing and avoid slip-and-fall accidents.

By Monday… temperatures will generally reach daytime highs only in the 20s with nighttime lows in the teens or lower. With the continuation of strong northeast winds over the north interior… wind chill values should drop to 10 or 15 below zero. Wind chills this low can cause frostbite to exposed skin in about 30 minutes. The north interior will be under the gun for brutally cold wind chills for much of the week ahead as cold air continues to funnel out of the Fraser valley.

Cold sub-freezing weather should continue over nearly all of western Washington through next week. In addition… a weather system on Wednesday could interact with the stubborn cold air mass to produce a renewed threat of accumulating snow nearly everywhere except perhaps the immediate coastline.

The bottom line is that western Washington should experience the coldest weather in a couple of decades during the week ahead. Please be prepared for an unusually prolonged and intense period of winter weather.

The National Weather Service released this “Winter Storm Watch” warning at 2:10pm Thurs. Dec. 11th:

… Winter Storm Watch in effect from Friday afternoon through late Friday night…

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Storm Watch… which is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Friday night.

Heavy lowland snow is possible over portions of western Washington Friday night.

At this time it appears that the highest probability of accumulating snow in The Lowlands will over the Kitsap peninsula… along the Strait of Juan de Fuca… and in the foothills of the Cascades. Other areas such as the north coast… the areas north of Seattle in the Puget Sound convergence zone area… and at elevations above about 700 feet in the southwest interior… may also see heavy snow accumulations Friday night depending on the exact track and intensity of the incoming storm. Three to five inch accumulations are possible in the lowland watch area.

A majority of current forecast models suggest that snow would begin falling during the late afternoon hours over the Kitsap peninsula and around Hood Canal… then spread into other areas in the watch around the tail end of the evening commute.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Also note that Sunday’s forecast looks *very* cold, with a High of just 28°F and a Low of 19°F!

So…batten down the hatches and stock up B-Town! A storm’s a-brewin’!

According to King County officials, a very heavy rainstorm is en route to our area (due here ’round Thursday) and we here at the B-Town Blog have a common-sense suggestion that may take your mind off all those dang political thangs going on today:

In-between watching election results, why not go outside and clear out your nearest storm drain?

Here’s some info lifted directly from the King County website:

Heavy rainfall is forecast for later this week, which means King County residents should be prepared to deal with flooding and weather-related emergencies.

“Our crews are prepared for the first potentially serious storm of the season,” said Harold Taniguchi, director of the King County Department of Transportation. “And, as the storm season starts, our Road Services Division already has overnight crews out in the field on the watch for weather-related problems.”

Throughout the storm season, Road Division crews will try to stay one step ahead of the natural elements when it comes to dealing with rain, snow, ice and wind. But, county residents can also do their part.

“We really appreciate it when residents help us out with simple things like clearing leaves away from storm drains, not abandoning their cars  or driving through floodwater, and calling us about problems in their unincorporated neighborhoods,” said Tony Ledbetter, maintenance superintendent for the Road Division.

Residents are also encouraged to report problems on roads in unincorporated King County by calling (206) 296-8100, or 1-800-KC ROADS if they live outside the greater Seattle calling area.

Got an email tip about coyotes being spotted in the North Hill neighborhood near 195th South and South 8th Avenue (map below), where we took this photo of a posted warning sign:

According to our BTB Tipster:

We live in North Hill.

My neighbor was out posting coyote warning  signs.

Apparently, she had one in her yard chasing their (not so small) dog around their yard one night.

I drive 509 everyday and since Feb. I have seen two killed along the freeway.

Also, I play softball at Showalter middle school and have seen alive ones there in broad daylight, on two occasions.

I’d just like to extend the warning to all our neighbors-Thanks!

Here’s a video shot last year of a coyote spotted in someone’s backyard nearby:

So if you live near the area, have small pets (or children), please be careful – coyotes are wild animals, and if they’re out hunting in packs they’re bound to be more bold.

More info on the creatures here.

View Larger Map