EVERETT — Though the lowlands in Snohomish County are forecast to see an inch of snow, mountain passes could be tricky over the holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the east Puget Sound area Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday.
The snow level hit 500 feet Friday afternoon, and brought a thin blanket of snow to Everett.
Overnight, the snow level should continue to lower to 200 feet.
Snow is most likely to fall in areas above 200 feet elevation, according to the weather service. These areas could have up to three inches of snow.
The state Department of Transportation anticipates heavy holiday traffic heading over the mountains.
With Christmas on Sunday, a flood of eastbound drivers might slow traffic Monday.
The National Weather Service encouraged drivers to be cautious while traveling in winter conditions. Stevens Pass was expected to see up to three inches of snow Friday afternoon. An additional two to four inches could fall overnight.
“It won’t be heavy, but it will affect people driving over the passes,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Johnny Burg.
The pass temperatures are forecast to hover in the 20s Friday and Saturday, he said.
Closer to shore, towns near sea level should have minimal snow accumulation.
Some north county communities, such as Darrington and Granite Falls, were forecast to receive between one to two inches of snow Friday night.
Snow is possible during the day Saturday, as temperatures remain in the low 30s.
“People above 200 feet could possibly have a white Christmas,” Burg said.
A system carrying warm air is forecast to move into Snohomish County on Monday and raise temperatures early in the week, Burg said.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
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