Roads may be icy as temperature dips
Published 11:39 pm Wednesday, December 29, 2010
EVERETT — More than likely, we’ve seen the last of the snowfall for 2010.
Up to 4 inches of snow fell Wednesday morning and early afternoon between south Everett and Bothell. The snow tangled the morning commute as spinouts and minor collisions were reported all over Snohomish County.
The weather is expected to stay cold today, and the roads may stay icy, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. Everett has a forecasted high of 36 degrees.
“After (Wednesday), it’s going to be pretty dry,” meteorologist Johnny Burg said.
No serious snow-related crashes were reported in the county as of Wednesday night.
During Wednesday morning’s commute, a backup between south Everett and the I-405 interchange reached seven miles, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Kris Olsen said.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary said many drivers were not prepared for snow. Some ran out of gas, didn’t have good traction tires or were driving too fast for conditions. Troopers saw more than 30 collisions in the county by late Wednesday afternoon.
Most accidents were caused by people driving too fast for conditions or following too close, Leary said.
Meanwhile, several emergency cold weather shelters are planned to open this week.
The South Snohomish County Emergency Cold Weather Shelter plans to be open today and Friday.
People must check in by 6:45 each night at Lynnwood City Hall at 9100 44th Avenue W, next to the library. Transportation to the shelter site will be provided, as well as dinner and breakfast. People will be transported back to City Hall at 7 the next morning.
In Everett, the Salvation Army Cold Weather Shelter is expected to be open tonight at 2525 Rucker Ave. People must check in between 8 and 10 p.m, but police and fire crews can drop people off throughout the night. The shelter closes at 7 a.m.
If the cold weather continues, the shelters may be open additional days.
For the most up-to-date information on cold weather shelters in Snohomish County, call 360-403-4674.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
