Frigid temperatures and snow may slam into Snohomish County this evening and on Wednesday, but first more wind and rain are likely today, forecasters say.
The National Weather Service on Monday issued a high wind watch for this afternoon into the evening for the Everett vicinity.
Continuing the string of storms that has run roughshod over Snohomish County, wind gusts of up to 60 mph are projected for today, with heavy rain possible in the afternoon, said Dennis D’Amico, a National Weather Service meteorologist.
“It does have the potential to cause some power outages,” D’Amico said.
He said the winds could be strong enough to match those of Friday night, when electricity was knocked out to 105,000 homes in Snohomish County and on Camano Island.
By tonight, temperatures likely will drop to around freezing, with snow possible in some locations, D’Amico said. It’s hard to pin down where the snow likely will accumulate, he said.
“For you guys north of Seattle, you do stand a better chance than most for seeing some accumulations,” he said.
By Wednesday night, a blast of arctic air will move into the area, cooling things off even more through Thursday, D’Amico said. Lows are expected to be in the upper teens to low 20s, and the highs are predicted to climb to 30 degrees.
The arctic air likely won’t bring much moisture with it, so snow isn’t predicted after Wednesday.
More than 20 trucks with plows and gravel and four de-icer trucks are being readied to keep I-5 and the other major state highways clear of snow in Snohomish County, said Meghan Soptich, a state Department of Transportation spokeswoman.
“If there’s going to be freezing temperatures after it snows, we want to get out there and make sure we clear the roads,” she said.
The Washington State Patrol urges drivers to get ready for the storm today, and to take extra precautions if it snows.
“If you get a chance, make sure your car is fully fueled,” said trooper Kirk Rudeen. “If you haven’t done so already, get some good snow tires on your car. Make sure all your lights are working. When it’s snowing, it’s harder see somebody.”
Once there’s snow on the ground, it’s critical that drivers slow down, especially overconfident drivers of sport utility vehicles, Rudeen said.
“Even with four-wheel drive, the laws of physics still apply,” he said.
Four-wheel drive doesn’t help drivers slow down faster, he said, adding that larger vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which also makes it easier for them to roll.
“Understand it’s going to take a while to get someplace,” Rudeen said.
He said drivers should look for flat routes, even if it takes longer, because avoiding hills will dramatically decrease the odds of ending up in a ditch.
The best way to stay out of trouble is to not drive, he said.
“You need to make the decision, if we’re getting a lot of snow, ‘Do I really need to go somewhere?’ ” he said.
Road conditions may be extra rough for I-405 drivers tonight.
The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to close northbound I-5 in Bothell tonight to set girders on a new pedestrian bridge being built at the Bothell-Everett Highway interchange.
There will be some other lane and ramp closures at the interchange as the state works on a bridge that will connect a new bus station that is being built on both sides of the freeway.
Stevens Pass ski area is expected to be closed today because of a Sunday afternoon power outage, a spokesman said. The facility operated on generators on Sunday evening and part of Monday, but it will remain closed until the electricity is restored.
Get ready before it snows
Snow driving tips
Source: Washington State Patrol
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