Metro Gets Ready for Snow

In response to Seattle's 2008 snowpocalypse (which had everyone in the Midwest laughing at us -- three to five inches!), Metro has released its new snow plan, which, in the event of a dangerous level of snow, will reduce service to the "Emergency Service Network"--70 routes that follow main arterials that are the top priority for snowplows, Publicola reported last week.

2008's snowfall caused a transit catastrophe due to buses stuck on unplowed roads and radio failure (this, unfortunately, won't be upgraded for a couple more years).

So you're not caught unawares if it does actually snow this year: if you ride the bus you can figure out your reroute here.

If you drive, you're curious, you want to anticipate problems or you're just a nerd, the snow plow priority maps are located here. You'll notice that downtown is basically clear north to south, but the farther you get away from the downtown core, the more your area focuses on one main arterial. It might be an especially good idea for those on the outskirts of town to peruse the map for your neighborhood.

And remember, the more you read up on it and get prepared for disaster, the more likely it is for it to straight up not snow this year. Welcome to Seattle.