Big melt could be big mess
Published 8:54 pm Friday, December 26, 2008
EVERETT — The Christmas snow and warmer weather brought treacherous driving conditions to Snohomish County.
As snow melted overnight, expected lows in the 20s turned water into sheets of ice, which may exacerbate an already difficult commute, said Dana Felton, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Seattle.
“It’s going to be messy out there Friday morning,” said Felton. “We might even be seeing some brief snow showers Friday morning but through Tuesday residents should expect warmer weather and rain.”
Warmer, in this case, will be in the upper 30s to lower 40s.
The Washington state Department of Transportation encouraged drivers to be cautious of roadway conditions, especially of standing water which could hide chunks of ice.
Drivers need to take it slow and drive with care while driving conditions change, said Department of Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond.
“We are very encouraged with the forecast, but drivers still need to slow down and be prepared,” Hammond said. “Where there was compact snow and ice, there will be slush or standing water, especially in areas where they received the most snow.”
The warmer weather has also brought fears of flooding along with it, as many drifts of highly piled snow are melting, threatening to overwhelm drainage systems and flood neighborhoods.
Any residents who have exhausted emergency supplies during the winter storms are encouraged to resupply ahead of possible flooding, said the Snohomish County chapter of the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross suggested the following:
First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, rain gear and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
Written instructions to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so.
Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places such as a friends home in another town, a motel or a shelter.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
