Ballard and the surrounding Seattle area received about one to two inches of snow overnight but by 8:30 a.m. it had already begun to melt on the roads and here at Ballard Commons Park.
The National Weather Service is predicting up to two more inches of snow for the Seattle area before it melts completely. But road conditions are expected to improve by tonight's commute.
Seattle Department of Transportation crews were on standby last night, according to the city, even though the weather forecast at midnight predicted no "road snow." Night crews patrolled for ice, and when it began to snow, around 4 a.m., standby crews were called in to assist the regular nightshift crews.
Between 4 and 6 a.m., snow dumped on Seattle streets, leaving approximately one and two inches, varying according to location. All available trucks with plows and sand treated major arterial streets throughout the city.
Crews were dedicated specifically to the West Seattle Bridge and the Alaskan Way Viaduct, and salt was applied. Roadway structure, bridges and overpasses were inspected to make sure walkways were passable and snow was not presenting a problem for opening and closing the moveable bridges.
Trucks with plows and sanders were also directed to trouble spots in West Seattle and Southeast Seattle.
Fifteen Metro buses are operating on an adverse weather condition service today. Route 28, serving Broadview and 8th Avenue Northwest, will stay on 3rd Avenue Northwest between Northwest 125th St and Northwest 132nd St.
By 7 a.m. air temperatures were rising and snow was turning to slush on many streets. Crews will continue plowing and sanding as long as they are needed.
