EVERETT — Friday morning’s snowfall has work crews, commuters and residents gearing up for more, but forecasters are more concerned about plunging temperatures from an incoming Arctic front.
For the first time in six years, temperatures will be below freezing all Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
“It’s going to be a cold week,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Reid Wolcott. “We don’t normally see high temperatures below freezing.”
Before that, more snow is expected to fall Sunday and could continue into Monday.
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“At this time, there’s a lot of uncertainty in how much snow we’ll get, 1 to 3 inches certainly is not out of question,” Wolcott said.
Conditions will turn icy Monday and the cold weather will stick around until the end of the week, Wolcott said. Low temperatures could dip into the teens Tuesday and Wednesday, with winds making it feel even colder.
“The bigger story here is the cold weather,” Wolcott said.
Those experiencing homelessness or living in cars are urged to seek cold weather shelters in the county. For more information, visit www.snohd.org.
People were bracing for the bad weather ahead by stocking up and filling their gas tanks on Friday.
At the Everett Costco near Silver Lake, Dean Ngo of Bothell was among shoppers heaving 50-pound bags of ice melt salt crystals into their carts. The bags were stacked in a display of handwarmers, car scrapers and boot dryers conveniently placed by the entrance.
Ngo also picked up a helmet for snowboarding. What about bread and milk?
“My wife does the work on that part,” he said. “I worry about this stuff.”
The shelves were well stocked with food. The aisle with gloves was busy with people scarfing up deals for $10 and less. Some boxes were almost empty.
Snohomish County agencies are advising people to get their cold-weather prepping done before Sunday night’s snowfall.
Emergency kits should be stocked with non-perishable foods and flashlights. Cars should have a full gas tank, jumper cables and warm blankets.
Additionally, the American Red Cross asks pet-owners to bring their animals inside during the cold stretch. If a pet can’t live inside, provide a dry and wind-free shelter.
For more tips on preparing for severe weather, visit takewinterbystorm.org.
At the gas pump, Michael Resnick stood by his Chevy sedan in shorts and a T-shirt as he filled up.
“It’s never too cold here,” said Resnick, originally from Connecticut. “I’m not afraid of driving in the snow.”
Visit the county’s Public Works website for a map of the snow and ice removal road priorities and road closure information.
The first snowfall of the year caused several school districts across the county to adjust start times.
In Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Stanwood, Arlington and Index, school buses ran two hours late.
After Sunday and Monday, the next chance of snow is forecast for Friday.
Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.
Andrea Brown: abrown@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3443. Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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