Snow stays in forecast until Christmas Eve

Published 4:30 pm Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A dangerous mix of rain, ice and snow was falling over Everett this afternoon, the latest bout of extreme winter weather to hit the area.

Don’t expect a reprieve any time soon. Snow and bitter cold temperatures remain in the forecast through next Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

And as much as three or more inches if snow could fall tonight. Snow showers Thursday could bring an inch more, forecasters said.

Up to six inches fell near Arlington, Stanwood and Silvana earlier today. Temperatures around the region warmed, but a new cold front has arrived and is expected to plunge temperatures back into the 20s.

Any ice or snow that melted likely will freeze making roads treacherous.

“You’re looking at a pretty snowy commute right now, and it only gets worse as you move north of Everett,” said Sean McDerrmott, a state Department of Transportation spokesman.

Snow wasn’t sticking to major roads in south Snohomish County as the sun set, but the conditions are variable.

“Things are changing, and they’re changing rapidly when they do change,” McDerrmott said.

The Washington State Patrol responded to 62 collisions in Snohomish, Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties from about 3 a.m. until just before 3 p.m., trooper Keith Leary said.

There were three minor injury collisions on the interstate and state routes, he said. There were dozens more minor collision on side streets and arterials.

If you don’t have to drive, don’t, he said.

“We are urging drivers to take precautions and limit trips in the heavy snow-affected areas,” Leary said. “The majority of our collisions have been due to driver’s not slowing down or making sudden lane changes or hitting the brakes or gas too hard.”

The Salvation Army shelter in downtown Everett will open again tonight for people who need a roof over their heads.

On Tuesday, officials said it’s likely the emergency shelter will remain open through at least Saturday.

Today’s storm was welcome news for many area school children who got the day off. School officials likely will wait until early Thursday morning to decide to reopen, start late or remain closed.

Clear, cold skies are forecast to return Friday and Saturday. Then a chance of snow is predicted right up to Christmas.