Seattle winters may not always bring snow in abundance, but when the flaky stuff comes down, it's always a good idea to prepare.

Warm up the hot cocoa and let's get to it.

Checking road conditions

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has a real-time map that show which roads and sidewalks have been plowed, when they were last treated, and which roads are currently out of commission.

For those traveling in and out of Seattle, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) can help with their own real-time map of road conditions throughout the region.

Public transportation

If you're not comfortable driving but still need to get somewhere, check the following public transit options in your neighborhood. Service may change frequently depending on conditions, so look for the latest updates before you head out the door.

Pro tip: The Transit app uses data from transit agencies to provide info on route status, current bus location, and alternate travel options.

Power outages

This is what none of us wants to have happen during a snowstorm — make sure you're prepared for the worst and stock up on necessities.

School closures

If you've got kiddos that are dying to know if their inside-out pajamas worked, Seattle Public Schools has a website dedicated to explaining its snow safety measures and announcing closures.

The real Seattle freeze

Even if it doesn't snow, temps that fall below freezing can be hazardous. Keep these pages bookmarked:

Seattle Public Utilities has a home winterizing checklist that includes advice on how to keep your pipes from freezing.
Alert Seattle helps you receive information about the City’s Winter Storm Response
King County Winter Weather Information includes cold weather shelters, pet safety tips, and other resources.