Its snowing again and the forecast calls for the snow to continue to fall until this afternoon when it might change to rain. If this does turn to rain and things start to finally melt, make sure to  check your downspouts and storm drains to avoid flooding.  

This new snow mixed with old snow and ice chunks will make driving challenging today.  Meanwhile, the debate rages on over the use of ice and sand on our city roads. 

The Seattle Times reports that scientists believe that sand — one of Seattle’s main weapons against icy streets — is more likely to harm aquatic life than the salt the city refuses to use out of concern for its environmental effects.

Seattle doesn’t use salt, an effective ice-buster used widely by other cities and the state Department of Transportation, because of environmental concerns.

Since last Thursday, Seattle has sprinkled more than 6,000 tons of sand on city streets and this week ordered 700 more tons for storage.  Instead of clearing major roads, Seattle aims to create a “hard-packed” snow surface suitable for all-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles, and front-wheel-drive vehicles with chains. The packed snow is then sprinkled with sand and sprayed with de-icer.

How are the roads looking at your place this morning?  Let us know at tips@magnoliavoice.com.  

Thanks to Virginia for this great night shot of Dravus sledding.

Here is the latest from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).  They say they have cleared primary arterials to exposed pavement and the focus is now on secondary roads.  

Not sure if that means there will be plows on our residential streets but if snow plows do enter your neighborhood street, be warned that parked cars can get trapped by the plowed snow and ice. 

SDOT says the multiple winter storms created road conditions not seen in more than a decade. SDOT’s initial focus cleared heavily traveled streets such as the Alaskan Way Viaduct, the West Seattle Bridge, Rainier Avenue S, Elliott Avenue W, and Lake City Way NE.

While we wait for the streets to clear, thanks to Scott for this picture of a truck that got tangled with a car at Bertona and 25th Ave West. 

And thanks to Virginia for these pictures of a car that hit the fence on 24th Ave West near Emerson.

We just got some great pictures from Magnolia Voice reader Wendell.

This is 35th and Thurman looking south.

These trees covered in snow look like a Christmas card.  The picture was taken from 35th and Thurman looking towards Discovery Park.

Some people are no doubt wishing this snow would melt.

Keep sending your pictures so we can all keep up on the latest conditions.  Email to tips@magnoliavoice.com.

Gladys just spoke to a Fed Ex Ground driver who said delivering to many Magnolia neighborhoods is proving difficult if not impossible. If you are expecting a package from Fed Ex Ground and are worried that you might not get your delivery, the driver said he wil be in the parking lot of the Interbay Golf course until 4pm today. He is hoping people can make their way to him to get their packages.

He hopes to be back at Interbay Golf again tomorrow until 4pm, weather permitting. The driver said he really wants to get the packages delivered in time for Christmas. If you know of anybody who is anxiously awaiting a delivery, might be worth a check.

Still no Metro service to Magnolia and the roads remain packed with snow and ice.  Looks like no new snow today but forecasters now expect either wet snow or rain on Wednesday morning followed by snow later and  into Thursday.  Looks like a white Christmas for sure and the weather promises to continue to make things interesting.

Another day of ice and snow and the roads in Magnolia remain challenging.  Many hills are still closed and the residential streets which make up most of Magnolia are tough going.  Don’t expect to see much relief from city crews, they are focusing on main roads, they have limited plows and they don’t use salt on the roads.  We are pretty much on our own until this melts.  Here is an interesting story in the Seattle Times today that explains the city’s snow removal strategy. 

Send us your pictures and let us know how you are getting along out there.  Send to tips@ magnoliavoice.com. 

UPDATE: As As we expected, the City of Seattle just put out a press release explaining that garbage and yard waste pickup has been postponed again “due to dangerous road conditions.” Collectors will attempt another go at it tomorrow. “Customers missed today should leave their containers out tomorrow,” explains Seattle Public Utilities. “If materials are not collected tomorrow, then customers should bring in their containers until next week.”

No garbage pickup yesterday and it does not look too good for today (Tuesday) either.  The latest from Seattle Public Utilities here.  They say that If garbage is not collected today, customers will have to wait until next week. In addition, due to the Christmas holiday, Thursday and Friday customers will be delayed one day. Thursday customers will be collected Friday and Friday customers will be collected Saturday assuming the roads are clear.

If your garbage is missed for this week, you can set out double your normal amount of garbage at no additional charge next week. If you are missed two weeks in a row, you can also take your waste to Seattle’s Recycling and Disposal Stations, where it will be accepted at no charge.

Our snowy blanket looks especially pretty at night. Magnolia Voice reader Steve, shared these beautiful shots that he took around our neighborhood.

Remember, you can always share your photos with us…just e-mail to: tips@magnoliavoice.com.

Thanks Steve!

Those trying to get to work today found driving difficult in Magnolia and it looks like taking the bus is not an option.  Metro has cut service on many routes and three of the routes serving Magnolia,  #31, #33 and #19 have been suspended.  The #24 is the only route still in service and it is not actually coming into Magnolia.  

Magnolia Voice reader Carly tell us that after 4 hours of busy signals she finally got through to Metro this morning only to be told that the #24 is turning around at Dravus and not even traveling into Magnolia due to the snow. (We took this picture of the #24 on Dravus by QFC yesterday)

That leaves Magnolia with no bus service for now.  Carly says there were a lot of people out waiting for buses this morning that never came. (Thanks for the information Carly!)  A blog with some good transit information here.   City plow route information here.

It now looks like we will have a white Christmas this year. The cold and snow that have disrupted almost every aspect of life for more than a week are sticking around for at least a few more days. 

It is pretty clear that Seattle is not prepared for long term snow storms.  Christmas plans for many families are on hold, with Alaska and other airlines cancelling flights due to weather and a lack of de-icing fluid.  Sea-Tac officials said the majority of flights were canceled Sunday, contributing to the worst disruptions airport veterans could remember in 30 years.

University of Washington meteorologist Cliff Mass said the snowstorm is the biggest for Seattle in 12 years, and that the length of time the region has been locked into low temperatures makes it particularly unusual.

After several inches of snow Sunday night, Monday is expected to be clear and cold, he said. More snow could arrive Tuesday, and the cold temperatures are expected to continue through much of the week. The snow likely won’t melt significantly before the weekend.

“This is not over,” Mass said. “It’s showtime for Seattle.” 

One more reminder, the city tells us that there will be no garbage pick up today, they are hoping to resume service on Tuesday.

Lots of little kids and big kids were out enjoying another day of snow in Magnolia and the snow just kept falling all day.

The Seattle Parks and Recreation’s School Age Care Winter Break Camps at the Magnolia Community Center will be closed on Monday (12/22) due to weather conditions.  A child care hotline is available for additional updates at 206-684-7123.  

If you have not been outside today, we thought we would give you a look at the roads in Magnolia.  We took these pictures late this afternoon.  The shot above is looking up at Dravus from QFC.  The main roads are covered in compact snow and ice. 

Here is McGraw Street in The Village.

This is 24th Ave West heading southbound.  More people walking on the streets than cars. This is pretty typical of the side streets all over Magnolia.

Not too many people in The Village and only about half the restaurants were open.  Tully’s and Starbucks were a big draw for people wanting to warm up.

We did see one bus coming out of Magnolia into Interbay.  Metro route information here.  Here are some other resources you may need in the next few days.  SDOT plows routes here.  City of Seattle severe weather  information here.  SeaTac information here.  A good site for weather information here.

The snowman by the sea pretty much sums up the day in Magnolia.  Cold and snowy but kind of fun if you did not need to get anywhere.

People were skiing in The Village.

Sledding in the park.

And making the most of one of the biggest snowfalls in years.

Magnolia Voice readers Mark and Doug sent us this picture of the two of them kicking back in the snow.

No, this is not Snoqualmie Pass.  These people are skiing down Dravus Street today.  Great shots from Alex!

 Keep those pictures coming!  Send to us at tips@magnoliavoice.com.