Seattle is finally blanketed in white as snow is piling up during a region-wide storm that has closed schools, clogged highways and put buses on snow routes.

Snow in Western Washington began in many areas on Friday, but until Wednesday, Seattle only saw scattered showers that didn't stick or quickly melted away.  By 5 a.m., snow had coated roads and sidewalks downtown.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 8 p.m.  Some affected locations are Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bremerton, Shelton, Olympia and Aberdeen.  The heaviest snow is focused around the South Sound.

 All are Metro buses are on snow routes, said Linda Thielke with Metro Transit, and some routes are canceled.   All Pierce Transit and Thurston County's Intercity Transit buses are operating on snow routes as well.  For Community Transit, see their list of affected routes.

• SCHOOL CLOSURES, DELAYS
• Live video: WSDOT cameras show snowy drive
• Video: Awning collapses under snow's weight
• Slideshow: Viewer photos of the snow (Wednesday)
• Slideshow: Drivers slip, slide, crash in snow
• Slideshow: Viewer snow photos
• Slideshow: Snow piles up across Washington
• Ranking: Great Seattle snowstorms
• Slideshow: Snowy Tuesday commute
• Severe weather alerts
• Snow resources available at City of Seattle's website
• Seattle DOT snow plow response map
• Upload snow photos and video on iSpot
• King County opens shelters for homeless
• Metro bus snow routes

By Wednesday morning the South Sound, where the storm moved in first,  already had some impressive snow totals, with some areas at well over a foot of snow. 

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News meteorologist Sam Argier said the estimated snow accumulations are as follows:

• Seattle: 3-6 inches
• Bellevue: 4-6 inches
• Issaquah: 4-8 inches
• Bremerton: 3-5 inches
• Olympia: 8-14 inches
• Everett: 1-4 inches
• Tacoma: 5-10 inches
• Lacey: 6-12 inches
• Shelton: 4-8 inches
• South/southwest Washington: 9-18 inches
• Washington coast: 4-8 inches
• South Coast: 3-9 inches
• North Coast: 1-3 inches
• Port Angeles: 3-6 inches
• Poulsbo: 1-3 inches
• Bellingham: Trace-2 inches
• Cascade foothills: 9-18 inches

KIRO 7 Chief Meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson said the snow is expected to be accompanied by strong winds out of the north.   The strongest wind is focused around Whatcom and San Juan Counties where a wind
advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday with wind gusts up to 50 mph around those areas.  Gusts of 30 to 40 mph are forecast around the Sound.

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The snow will not be as heavy for  areas north of Seattle because the storm is passing by to the south, bringing the heaviest snow south of  Seattle. Most of the snow will be tapering off by the afternoon.

Argier said there was the danger of freezing rain possible in Olympia and southward in the afternoon. Local ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are possible along the Interstate 5 corridor between Olympia and Chehalis.

High temperatures  are holding in the low 30s and 20s  with overnight lows Wednesday night well below freezing. Roads will remain icy into Thursday.

Many schools closed

Some school districts, anticipating a snowy Wednesday morning commute, opted to cancel classes. Seattle Public Schools and the Puyallup School District were among those that announced closures early.  For a full list of closures and delays, see our School Closures page, and be sure to double-check with your school(s).

Emergency crews prepare for messy commute

King County Medic Aaron Tyerman said drivers should stay off the roads if possible.

“As the snow gets heavier, only be on the roads if you have to,” he said.

He said extra emergency crews would be on alert, but that those crews can take just as long to reach collision scenes as regular traffic.

He also offered some general safety tips for people as the snow rolls in again:

• Carry snow chains in your car or drive in a vehicle with snow tires. Also pack food and warm clothing.
• Don’t run generators or barbecues inside – carbon dioxide byproducts are scentless and deadly.
• If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors, check on them to make sure they’re OK.
• Clear walkways and driveways near your home to help avoid slips, but don’t overexert yourself if you have a preexisting health condition that’s prone to act up amid heavy work.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Guy Gill said driving conditions were extremely poor, especially in Thurston County.  Gill said if a driver is involved in a spinout or crash, they should stay in their vehicles to avoid being struck by another driver who may be out of control.

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Dozens of flights canceled

Alaska Airlines has issued a travel advisory because of the snow. If you’re flying out of Sea-Tac Wednesday or Thursday, you can re-book your flight without paying a fee. You can also request a refund.

Travelers should act fast, however, as most flights will have to be rescheduled in the next few days.  Sea-Tac Airport spokesman Perry Cooper said dozens of flights have been canceled, but crews are keeping the runways clear.

KIRO 7 employee Kevin Farley, who was at the airport Wednesday morning,  said crews are plowing and salting the area in front of gate before the aircraft arrives. Tugs inch the jets slowly from the gate to the tarmac.

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Prepare for power outages

Power outages are also a concern during the storm.  With wind and freezing rain in the forecast for some areas, trees already heavy with snow could come down, knocking out power lines.

About 5,000 Snohomish PUD customers in Snohomish, Monroe and Arlington lost power Tuesday afternoon when snow-heavy tree limbs crashed onto power lines. Crews worked Tuesday evening to restore power.

Looking ahead

Argier said there is another system brushing us by to the south Thursday morning bringing the chance of a few snow  showers south of Tacoma. Overall, it is drying out Thursday with temperatures holding in the mid 30s.

Temperatures are back in the mid to low 40s Friday through the weekend with rain showers and gusty winds at times.

Viewer and cell phone Video