Get ready for cold we haven’t seen in a decade
Published 10:49 pm Saturday, December 13, 2008
As temperatures continue to dwindle, forecasters predict the coldest week in years.
Lows today were expected in the upper teens, highs in the mid-20s, marking the beginning of what forecasters say will be a chilly week.
“It will be the coldest it’s been in the last 10 or 20 years,” said Mike McFarland with the National Weather Service in Seattle.
The National Weather Service issued a snow advisory about 9 p.m. Saturday, forecasting one to three inches of snow to fall by daybreak.
Snow shouldn’t be much trouble for Snohomish County, but people need to continue to watch for ice on the roads, McFarland said.
On Friday and Saturday, the roads were better than predicted, Washington State Patrol trooper Keith Leary said.
“We are out of the woods so far, but once the temperature dives, we are probably going to see some problems,” he said.
As temperatures drop, drivers need to keep an eye on the forecast and know what to expect on the roads, Leary said.
Fortunately, travelers this weekend have taken the weather seriously, Leary said. “All of our drivers are on their best behavior.”
Several emergency shelters were set up in Snohomish County to help homeless people through these cold nights.
Five people total on Friday and Saturday took advantage of the opportunity offered in south Snohomish County by a network of congregations, said the Rev. Eileen Hanson, pastor of Lynnwood’s Trinity Lutheran Church.
“They appreciate just having someplace warm and safe to go,” she said.
The shelters were originally scheduled to run through Sunday, but they will remain open all week if the cold spell persists, Hanson said.
At Mt. Pilchuck Ski &Sport store in Everett, cold and snow are good for business, sales associate Ryan Willis said.
At least 200 people stopped by Saturday gearing up for their favorite winter sports, Willis said.
Mt. Baker and Mt. Crystal kicked off the ski season this weekend, but many skiers were eager for Stevens Pass to open its slopes, Willis said.
Reporter Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452 or kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
