EVERETT — If forecasts hold true, it should be another sunny Christmas Day in Snohomish County.
Christmas Eve could be a bit wet with perhaps a few snowflakes in outlying areas.
“Anything that falls, it is going to be very light,” said Art Gaebel, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle.
Spots such as Granite Falls, where the low could dip to 23, might see some snow Christmas Eve, but skies are expected to clear by Friday.
Between now and then could be prove a slow go for holiday travelers crossing the Cascade Range.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for both Snoqualmie and Stevens passes through 6 p.m. Wednesday.
“Significant amounts of snow will make travel hazardous or impossible at times,” according to the warning.
Those who must travel during that time are encouraged to bring an extra flashlight, food, water and blankets with them. It also would be prudent to bring a cellphone charger in case of an emergency.
Snow accumulations of more than two feet are possible.
The passes typically get more use around the Christmas holiday, according to Washington State Department of Transportation statistics.
The total number of cars over U.S. 2 and Stevens Pass from Thursday to Sunday is expected to reach more than 26,000.
The number of drivers heading east and west on I-90 during the same period is expected to exceed 100,000.
Washington State Patrol trooper Heather Axtman said drivers should plan for extra commute time and travel at a reasonable speed for conditions.
“Just because you have four-wheel drive doesn’t mean you should drive 60 mph,” she said.
Some cautious drivers also might want to pull over when it is safe to do so to let others pass.
Axtman recommended travelers fill up their gas tanks before leaving.
“It helps your vehicle because it is heavier,” she said.
Drivers crossing Stevens Pass should expect delays through 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday along a stretch of U.S. 2 three miles west of Skykomish.
Construction crews working for the state are making emergency slope repairs after heavy rain caused erosion along the banks of the South Fork Skykomish River.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.
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