• E.S.
• Close, but not exactly what the City of Seattle's talking about.

Earlier today the Seattle Department of Transportation was bragging about taking on mother nature. Now, for its afternoon activity, it's taking on human nature:

Seattle deployed a fleet of 30 plows, de-icing trucks, and graders to remove snow from approximately 750 miles of priority roadways in the city today. Residents are discouraged from traveling to help keep roads open and safe for emergency vehicles, transit and snow removal.

Road crews continue to focus on plowing and salting major arterials and transit routes for emergency vehicles and buses. If you must drive, be prepared with tire chains, warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Be aware of the potential for icy or slippery conditions.

On residential streets, residents should be cautious about accumulated ice and snow which will not clear until temperatures rise above freezing for an extended period.

Melting snow can overwhelm storm drains by filling them with ice, leaves and accumulated street debris. Clogged drains can result in flooding and hazardous road conditions. In Seattle, there are about 80,000 storm drains — far more than city crews can clear quickly. Residents are asked to clear storm drains on their streets if it can be done safely.

Please use caution if sledding today. In 1989, a 12 year old girl was killed in a sledding accident in Magnolia.

Discovery Park, Camp Long, Carkeek Park and Seward Park are open for snow play.

Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice covered surfaces.

The City of Seattle recommends that residents:

- Stay off the roads if possible.
- Move cars off streets, if possible, to aid with snow removal.
- Check on neighbors, especially the vulnerable.
- Do not use barbecues or gas grills inside. The fumes can be poisonous and deadly.
- Have coats, hats, gloves and blankets on hand to stay warm during possible power outages.
- Bring pets indoors.
- Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

For more information about weather safety tips, and to find out about city facility closures, please go to www.seattle.gov or directly to the following tools:

SDOT travel cameras
SDOT street closures and snowplow routes
SnowWatch forecasting
Emergency Closures