EVERETT – The snow blowing through Snohomish County this morning made for tough driving and it isn’t expected to improve much before later this week.
This snow is forecast to begin turning to rain and wind in locations below 1,000 feet as temperatures warm, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to creep up to a high of 35 today and winds could pick up to 17 mph, with gusts of 23 mph.
The weather service downgraded a winter storm warning to a winter weather advisory through 4 p.m. today. An advisory for snow means periods of snow could cause problems on roadways. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibility.
Forecasters are expecting a low pressure system will bring more snow showers to the area on Christmas. By Friday, the weather service is predicting a warm front will move into the area and stay.
The National Weather Service doesn’t keep consistent statistics on past Christmas snows, but meteorologist Johnny Burg confirmed snow on Christmas in this area is rare.
“From what I’ve heard this is a once in a 10-year event,” Burg said.
This is the 11th day people have dealt with snowy conditions and even professionals are tired of it.
“Some meteorologists go gaga over this,” he said. “Some of us do not. We’ve got to come in and we can’t take days off.”
In the Seattle area, there’s only about a 7 percent chance of a White Christmas and Burg said Everett’s chances are about the same, he said.
Slippery roads likely will be around most of the day. Today drivers will find most of the main roads around the area are relatively drivable – if they can escape from snow clogged driveways and side streets.
Some snow and slush remains on the freeways, said Keith Leary, a spokesman for the Washington State Patrol.
“The side roads and city streets are still really bad with compact snow and ice,” Leary said.
Traffic on area roads has been building as last-minute shoppers hit the malls and travelers hit the roads, he said. He advised checking roads in advance, leaving early and driving slow.
And pull chains off before entering freeways. In Kent, a motorist was struck from behind after pulling over to remove his chains. Pulling off to the highway shoulder is for emergencies, and taking off the chains doesn’t count as one, Leary said.
Fresh snow was piling up this morning around the county, just in time for the commute and the final hours for Christmas shopping.
Traffic on I-5 at 7 a.m. was lighter than usual, due to the holiday, so snow was accumulating on all lanes. Traffic was moving at 30 to 40 miles per hour.
Roads in Mill Creek were icy ruts lined with pitted piles of ice and snow. Downtown Everett also had a cover of snow but traffic was moving smoothly.
People traveling over the mountains should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.
Chains or snow tires are recommended on U.S. 12 west of White Pass. At both Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass and U.S. 2 at Stevens Pass, traction tires are advised and roadways are covered with compact snow and ice. Another 5 to 10 inches of snow are expected to fall today in the passes and along the west slopes of the central Cascades.
Drivers also should be prepared for more trucks and oversized loads on state highways. The heavy trucks waiting to cross the mountain passes are moving again.
As temperatures warm at lower elevations, state transportation officials warn the next hazard for drivers is slush and walls of snow along roadways. These conditions can be as dangerous because people don’t think they need to be concerned, Leary said.
“It’s a hidden danger,” he said. “There’s ice and compact snow under submerged water. Slow down and watch your speeds.”
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