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 (1 votes)We've got some crazy fall weather in the neighborhood today. It's gone from rain, to sun, to a big thunderstorm with heavy rain and pea-sized hail. Here's the view from the front of CDNews World Headquarters:
 (1 votes)Was anyone expecting this big windstorm today? I've looked out the window to see trash cans be blown over, scattering debris around the neighborhood. And the PI reports that about 500 people in Madrona are without power due to downed tree limbs. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning that goes until 9pm tonight. Let us know below if you've had damage at home or lost power in the storm. 
(2 votes)Usually we don't get our yearly allocation of two days in the 90s until at least August, but this time they're hitting early. The supercomputers in the CDNews weather center are currently registering 83 92 degrees outside and a rapidly rising 75 83 indoors (updated at 4:33pm). And since our 107 year old house lacks air conditioning, we've got to get creative about how to cool down. Here's what we've come up with so far: 1. Take a dip: There's a huge body of chilly water just over the hill from us, so pack up the dog and the kids and head east to Madrona beach and cool off in the 63 degree water of Lake Washington. Be sure to take your $1.50 in change to grab the #2 bus and avoid the hot uphill walk back home. 2. Enjoy the art of the totally free Frye Art Museum and their stable environment of 72 degree air. Just go west on Columbia, through Seattle U and the Swedish Campus, to just the other side of Boren. They've got some great paintings in their collection, comfy places to sit, and a lot of peace,... (2 votes)
It's a gorgeous spring day here in the CD. We got the day started with the 2008 inaugural mowing and other assorted yard work. Then in the afternoon it felt like a good time to take a long walk down to the lake and try to wear out the dog.
Here's a few shots from along the way: (if you've got some pics to share, upload them here)      
(0 votes)
For those of you spending the day at work, away from home, you might be interested to know that it's been snowing steadily or almost an hour now here at Central District News World Headquarters (elevation: 306 feet above mean sea level). But no need to panic: it's still too warm for it to stick, with the themometer hovering around 36 degrees.
And although it's kinda pretty to look at out the window, our canine mascot is not at all pleased, realizing that I'm too big of a wimp to get out in it for his daily exercise. (and P.S. - if there's any pro photogs out there who know how to get a good picture of falling snow, please leave your tips in the comments below) Update: 1:18pm - I may have spoken too quickly about the temperature. It's now dropping, currently at 34.5 F. And snow is starting to gather on rooftops, vehicles, and shrubbery, but not on the ground yet. Update: 2:33pm - The snow has stopped for now, and the temperature is rising back up towards 36 F. 
(0 votes)
I just received an exclusive report from our downstairs TeeVee viewing area that all signal was lost on our satellite downlink. The shocking reason: snow! In late March!
It's coming down in huge fluffy white flakes, and my Ultra Non-Doppler Weather Station 9000 on the back porch confirms a chilly temperature of 34 degrees. That's just 2 degrees away from the record low on this date of 32 degrees. Summer can't come too soon for me... 
(1 votes)
We've had snow in the forecast for three days, and this morning it finally came true. It looks like we've got about an inch outside the house. And so far cars appear to be doing fine on the non-hilly arterials.
Found a slick spot? Streets that should be avoided? Leave a comment below, and if you have snow pics you want to share, upload them here. 
(1 votes)
Last night's snow has hardened into crusty ice overnight, and it looks like the side streets are still pretty slick.
How was your morning commute? Specific areas that should be avoided? Leave a comment below. Update: SPD reports that 19th Ave is completely shut down around Madison. Evidently several buses got stuck and cars that tried to scoot past them got into accidents 
(3 votes)
Around 7pm this evening I heard the sound of something hitting my den window. When I looked outside the ground was covered with a sleet/snow mixture. This is the fourth measurable snowfall this season. Now, I'm new to the Seattle area, but is this normal? People have told me that it snows about 1 day a year here, and I've noticed that when it does snow, the city practically shuts down. (Well, everyone but the least capable drivers stay home.) Can anyone who has been here awhile give me a better frame of reference to go by? And why do people honk at me when I'm trying to make snow angels in the middle of 23rd? Rude!
If you have any pics of the snow, share them. 
(0 votes)
Via the slog, here's some interesting graphs from Seattle Public Utilities that compares our most recent storm with the big rain and wind storm from December of last year.
The first image compares the amount of rain that fell in a 30 minute between 2006 and 2007, with 2006 clearly being the winner at .7 inches vs. .2. However, when you count the rain from a full 24 hour period, this year's storm wins with about 4 inches for our neighborhood vs. about 2 from last year. In spite of the hard data, I have to say that the 2006 storm was way worse for our area than the one we had earlier in the week. I remember seeing 23rd Avenue being turned into a rushing river last year, from curb to curb. And of course it was far more tragic, with the loss of life that occurred in Madison Valley. How was your storm experience? Let us know in the comments. 
(1 votes)
but luckily, so far, it hasn't been as bad as anticipated. This weekend's snow turned to rain and it has been steady since. We have yet to witness the high winds and the city's drainage system has been able to handle the excess water. Widespread flooding has not been a problem, but there has been some isolated incidents in low-lying areas.
One home on 22nd and Jefferson had a large diameter hose extending from the house dumping a large amount of water onto 22nd Street. This is the same block that experienced several flooded basements in last December's storm. The area of Madison Valley that sustained severe flood damage and one drowning death last year seems to be doing much better now. The flood water reservoir has standing water in it, but it is no where near capacity. I saw city crews stationed in that area monitoring the conditions. King 5 reports that some neighbors in this area are experiencing flooding in backyards and basements. Hopefully we will continue to have safe storm season. 
(0 votes)
It started snowing big wet flakes here just a bit before 2pm, and by 3pm it was sticking to to the roads and causing some challenges for people trying to navigate our numerous hills.
I got out to grab a few pictures and some video of drivers having trouble on Yesler as it approaches the intersection of MLK. The video includes a brief but personally tragic clip where a pickup truck hits-and-runs the back corner of my truck. |
