If snow comes, it won’t stay long

For children hoping for a snow day, this week has brought the ice-cold, snowflake taste of freedom within sled’s reach.

Nearly.

Snow hasn’t hit hard yet, but weather experts say it’s coming, most likely tonight or Friday.

Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, into the mid-20s, said Johnny Burg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. It should be damp enough for some snow to accumulate, even in the lowlands.

By Sunday, temperatures are expected to rise, possibly to the mid-50s, Burg said.

That could be a troubling mix: Warm, wet conditions after snowfall often signal an increased likelihood of flooding, particularly if freezing levels climb high in the mountains, emergency officials said.

Officials plan to keep a close eye on the weather and river levels, said Tammy Doherty, deputy director for the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management.

Officials are on call around the clock, Doherty said.

“We’re pretty much in a monitoring status,” she said.

Between now and Sunday, drivers should exercise caution, said Pat Moylan, maintenance and operations manager at the state Department of Transportation. Extra trucks will be dispatched to handle any problem areas, she said.

With cold temperatures and bad winter weather forecast, experts recommend that people stock up on food and have lots of warm clothing ready.

“Make sure you’ve prepared in advance. If you haven’t, then get to the store,” Doherty said.

Be sure to have battery-powered flashlights and a radio to get the latest weather reports, she said.

Insulate pipes and make sure the car is winterized.

Check road conditions before driving and share travel plans, including arrival time, so help can be summoned if necessary, Doherty said.

Reporter Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422 or kkapralos@heraldnet.com.