When Snohomish County residents wake up on Sunday, they may see snow in their back yards.

A storm is forecast to blanket the county with up to 2 inches of snow this weekend, ending a series of cold, sunny days.

Rain showers are expected to start this afternoon and turn to snow overnight as temperatures drop, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. The snow is likely to accumulate in the county’s lowlands and the mountains on Sunday morning.

“People need to be aware, stay tuned and plan accordingly,” meteorologist Dennis D’Amico said, adding that the weather service may issue a snow advisory this morning.

The temperatures are expected to hover in the 30s over the weekend, D’Amico said. More snow could come through Tuesday, along with rain showers.

“It’s not going to warm up much. (The snow) is not necessarily going to melt away,” he said.

The forecast is preliminary, D’Amico said.

In late December, the weather service issued a snow advisory, but scaled it back later when snow mixed with rain ended up as slushy puddles in the county’s lowlands.

The cold weather could create many icy spots on roads, Washington State Patrol trooper Kirk Rudeen said.

“When the weather is like this, people just need to slow down,” Rudeen said.

Drivers need to use snow tires or chains when crossing mountain passes, Rudeen said.

“If you don’t need to go somewhere, stay home,” he said.

Drivers also need to keep enough food, water and clothes in their vehicles in case they get stranded, Rudeen said.

“Do not abandon your car in the roadway. Stay with your car,” he said, adding that abandoned vehicles could block emergency crews.

The ground already has been cold for several days, Rudeen said.

“If it’s going to snow, it’s going to stick,” he said.

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.