The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will have street maintenance crews on standby for snow response this weekend and early next week due to a forecast of possible snow showers below 500 feet.

Throughout this week Street Maintenance crews have been treating areas prone to roadway frost and ice to improve conditions for drivers, and will continue this operation while nighttime temperatures remain low.

Saturday night there is a potential for black ice, and drivers are urged to use caution, especially on bridges and raised roadways. Drivers should keep an ice scraper in their car and make sure car windows are completely clear of ice and fog before getting on the road. Tires in good condition, suitable for winter weather, are essential for safe driving.

Residents and businesses are reminded to keep the sidewalks in front of their property free of ice and snow for pedestrian safety. For more information about SDOT’s winter storm strategy, to include a map of routes that will be treated during a storm, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/winterweather.htm .