Seattle roads empty; Sea-Tac flights delayed

Caption

A snowy Space Needle stands out from Seattle’s skyline after a few inches fell in the early hours of Monday, Feb. 6, 2017.

A Jeep heads north on First Avenue West in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood on Monday morning.

Sledders look for a hill to slide on below Kerry Park on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017.

The Seattle area woke Monday to snowy, empty streets, closed schools and an airport that’s running a little behind.

Blocking accidents were reported on several Puget Sound-area highways but traffic was moving smoothly around the region as most commuters appeared to be calling it a snow day.

Nearly all of Western Washington’s schools made the same call, shutting down for the day as several inches of snow fell in the lowlands. Seattle Public Libraries were also closed for the morning, as warmer temps – and more snow – were expected later in the day.

At Sea-Tac International Airport, the average delay was about 1 hour, 30 minutes as of 8 a.m. Travelers to Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport faced additional delays unrelated to snow at Sea-Tac.

The state Department of Transportation reported that snowy roads were clearing with the sunrise but cautioned that elevated structures – bridges, ramps and viaducts – would remain slick.

King County Metro and Sound Transit buses were operating on reduced schedules, though many workers appear to have opted out for Monday’s commute.

Seattle Department of Transportation workers were clearing city streets according to the snow route plan meant to ensure the city’s arterials are cleared. Here’s what to expect:

Seattle’s snow response map. Aim for those yellow arterial streets if you’re on the move.

Seattle’s snow response map. Aim for those yellow arterial streets…

And finally, in news that will effect no one, Seattle’s underused, doomed bike share Pronto is out of commission for the day.

#PRONTOALERT: Due to snow and ice, the system is temporarily SHUT DOWN. Please make alternative commute plans – be safe #Seattle! 🚲❄️️

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