Navigating Seattle's Roads, Waterways, and Skies: Friday's Forecast, World Cup Match, and Juneteenth Celebrations

It's finally Friday, and the city is buzzing with excitement! With the USA-Australia FIFA World Cup match kicking off at noon at Lumen Field and the Juneteenth holiday bringing people together, we've got everything you need to know to navigate the roads, waterways, and skies in and around Seattle.

No traffic trouble has been reported so far this morning, but there is a small power outage in South Admiral, affecting approximately 12 customers near 39th and Manning. Our community is always quick to spot these issues, so thank you to everyone who's helped spread the word.

Summer is just around the corner, and the official arrival of the solstice is just two days away. As of 1:24 am on Sunday, we'll be in the midst of longer days and warmer nights. Today's forecast promises a sunny day with highs in the upper 70s. Don't forget to catch the sunrise at 5:11 am, which will remain the same until Tuesday.

Lumen Field is gearing up for the highly anticipated World Cup match, but remember that the area will be off-limits to motor vehicles starting from 8 am. This is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for spectators and players alike.

Before making your way to the World Cup, check the transportation updates below:

For Metro buses, please note that if your bus usually travels within the designated zone, it will be rerouted. For West Seattle residents, this primarily affects Route 21. Make sure to check Metro's reroute details for the latest information. Otherwise, regular weekday schedules will apply.

The West Seattle Water Taxi has added extra runs to support the World Cup special services today. One additional round trip will depart at 10:00 am from Pier 50 and another at 10:15 am from West Seattle. These extra runs are part of the summer schedule, which also includes later-night schedules on Fridays and Saturdays.

Washington State Ferries have resumed their regular three-boat schedule for the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route today. For any last-minute changes, please check their alert page.

All West Seattle schools are now out for the summer, and the Seattle Mariners have a home game against the Boston Red Sox at 7:10 pm. Be sure to check the SDOT map for any updates on the city's cameras, including the High Bridge, Low Bridge, and 1st Avenue South Bridge.

With the holiday and match-day excitement in the air, many families and friends are looking for kid-friendly watch parties. For West Seattle, consider checking out Christo's Alki, which opens at 11 am and features family-friendly activities and plenty of TV screens. The Great American Diner, West Wings, and Admiral Pub are also great options with their kid-friendly menus and large screens.

The Whisky West is another great venue for families, as it offers a big screen, games for kids, soccer-themed coloring books, and a kids' menu. Youngstown Cultural Arts Center and Ounces are also all-ages venues, offering a massive screen and a fun atmosphere. Burien's Town Square Park has been hosting watch parties, and for those close to West Seattle, these could be a great alternative.

As for the Water Taxi, reports indicate that there's a semi-long line of people waiting to board, with non-existent parking options. To avoid the congestion, consider driving to Delridge and taking the bus around Hudson or Brandon instead. This might be worth considering for those not in a hurry. Additionally, be aware that there was an accident in the tunnel, causing gridlocked traffic on the waterfront. Avoid traveling northbound on 99 if possible.

So, gear up for an action-packed day of sports, celebration, and community spirit! Don't forget to stay safe, enjoy the game, and make the most of your time in Seattle today.

We hope you found this update helpful in navigating the city's roads, waterways, and skies. Thank you for being part of the West Seattle community!