EVERETT — An overnight winter storm blanketed the Puget Sound area with wet snow, closing schools and making the Monday commute treacherous or impossible. Even in areas near sea level, up to 5 inches had accumulated.
A winter storm warning was still in effect. In the lowlands, accumulations of snow between 3 and 6 inches were expected by 4 p.m. Monday, National Weather Service meteorologist Johnny Burg said. Areas closer to the mountains were expected to see up to 8 inches — but there were reports of accumulations up to a foot in some areas.
Many schools were closed Monday, including those in the Everett, Edmonds, Marysville, Mukilteo, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Arlington, Snohomish, Stanwood, Sultan, Granite Falls and Index districts. Others were on limited or later schedules. Everett Community College and the University of Washington Bothell campus were closed, and Edmonds Community College was to open at noon.
Road conditions ranged from snow-and-slush covered to icy or merely wet. Buses were using snow routes, and the Washington State Department of Transportation reported hazardous conditions on I-5, I-405 and other freeways. Because traffic was light, travel times were not greatly affected for vehicles equipped for snow.
The weather service predicted the storm early Sunday. Cold air blew into the area during the day, and snowfall started in the evening and increased throughout the night. Snow was expected to continue off and on into Monday afternoon, Burg said.
Snow showers were likely to continue on Monday, with a high near 38, the weather service said. Another 1 to 2 inches of snow was possible in Everett.
Between 10 and 20 inches of snow were expected at Stevens and Snoqualmie passes. Passes were closed early Monday for avalanche control.
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