Hold onto your New Year’s hats.
Another Pacific storm is aimed at Western Washington, and weather officials say there’s a possibility 2009 could be ushered in today with high winds in the lowlands and heavy snow in the mountains.
Forecasters expect the bulk of the winds to hit the southern part of the state, sparing Snohomish County, said Ted Buehner, a National Weather Service meteorologist.
Still, there’s a chance the storm could change direction.
“If this thing decides to go north, then all of us are going to be in it,” he said. That could mean widespread power outages.
The storm also is forecast to bring more rain in the lowlands.
Some urban flooding is anticipated, mostly in areas from Everett south.
Several feet of snow is forecast for the mountains creating extremely high avalanche danger.
Experts said there’s no question that snow slabs will give way in the mountains today. People are warned to stay out of the backcountry.
Ski areas, which clear away avalanche threats, should be safe, said Mark Moore, an avalanche forecaster.
Still, everyone needs to be cautious, he said.
There have been 11 avalanche fatalities in the United States since Dec. 14, Moore said. Eight people died this week in an avalanche in British Columbia.
Last winter, nine people died in Washington state in avalanches, including three Snohomish County residents.
Buehner said more seasonable weather is forecast for Friday and the weekend. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and dip back into the 30s at night.
Rain showers likely will be on again, off again.
With storm systems lining up in the Pacific, the forecast could change. “This is an evolving situation; stay tuned,” Buehner said.
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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