Here comes the rain: Weekend’s snowfall will soon be gone

Published 2:30 pm Monday, February 15, 2021

EVERETT — Warmer temperatures and steady showers are expected to last all week and melt the remnants of this weekend’s flurries, which blanketed parts of Snohomish County in half a foot of snow

Monday started with freezing rain in some areas, but temperatures rose midday. Showers were expected to continue Monday night into Tuesday, with a chance of rain all week, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. The rest of this week’s forecast calls for highs in the mid 40s and lows in the mid 30s.

“We’re going back to your typical weather,” meteorologist Mary Butwin said.

The warmer temperatures, paired with consistent rain, mean this weekend’s snowfall should be gone in the coming days, she said.

That has the county’s Public Works department worried about urban flooding.

Officials are asking everyone to make sure storm drains are clear of debris, as they prepare for the melting snow and rain.

“Cleaning off those storm drains may save you from wading through your yard, garage or basement,” the Edmonds Police Department said in a news release.

And while road conditions are improving, there are still areas impacted by the slush.

Drivers should continue to slow down and use caution, Washington State Patrol trooper Rocky Oliphant said Monday.

From Friday to Sunday, officials recorded 196 vehicle crashes across the county, he said.

Snohomish County Public Works crews began to clear roads Friday night and continued through Monday morning. In all, they had plowed the equivalent of 13,000 miles of road, and spread 375 tons of sand, 2,500 tons of sand and salt mix, and 15,026 gallons of deicer, according to a news release.

The county reminds people to stay at least 200 feet away from plows and other equipment.

Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.