Snowy forecast is taken in stride

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Residents across the county didn’t let a few falling snowflakes rattle them Tuesday, and many stores reported customers were shopping as usual.

But if the forecast of up to 3 inches of snow today turns into reality, things could change.

"Usually weather does determine shopping," Barney Adams, a supervisor at Top Food &Drug in Everett, said Tuesday evening.

The National Weather Service issued a snow advisory through this morning, with light snow expected to develop overnight Tuesday with an accumulation of up to 3 inches. Areas near Puget Sound were forecast to have lesser amounts, possibly an inch.

A weak frontal system approaching from the west was expected to drop snow west of Olympia and in the Bellingham area, then spread east and south.

"A lot of people are talking about it," Adams said. "It is on a lot of people’s minds. If it begins to snow and stick, there could be some panic, especially if it starts to stick. People will be going to parties and traveling around."

When he left his Everett home about 5 p.m., it was snowing lightly and "all the ducks were standing on the ice" at a nearby lake, Adams said.

"If it does snow (today), it could be a madhouse," he said. "If people wake up … and see snow, it’ll probably get them going. A lot of times it catches people by surprise. People like to hoard up, especially if they’re stuck indoors."

About 5 p.m. Tuesday, snow fell in scattered areas, including Whidbey and Camano islands, Edmonds, at Frontier Village near Lake Stevens and in Mountlake Terrace, but in some areas it stopped before it even began to stick.

Authorities reported some roads were slick but no problems were reported early Tuesday evening.

In Snohomish County, "there’s a chance that our famous convergence zone may keep that snow going a little longer into Wednesday morning," said Andy Wappler, KIRO-7 "Eyewitness News" chief meteorologist.

Temperatures today are expected to be around freezing in the morning, rising to the upper 30s during the day, Wappler said. Overnight there will be a slippery mixture of rain and snow, so drivers should be especially cautious.

The chance of snow will continue into the weekend, Wappler said.

State Department of Transportation crews planned to work through the weekend to keep the highways and interstates safe, no matter how much snow falls.

In King and Snohomish counties, the department has 45 plows and eight trucks with de-icing capabilities, as well as sand trucks, road graders, snow blowers, frontloaders and dozens of experienced workers standing by. In Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties, another 50 snow plows are available.

State officials said the crews would apply anti-icing materials in high-risk areas such as bridges, hills and curves during the day and evening, and night crews will monitor road conditions and respond as needed.

Transportation officials ask motorists to drive according to conditions, keeping in mind that speed limits are set for dry pavement. Slow down and allow extra stopping distance if there is rain, snow or ice. Be especially cautious on bridges, curves, overpasses and highway entrances and exits, which tend to freeze first. Allow plenty of time to thoroughly clear and defrost your windows and to reach your destination.

In the event of a large snowfall, stay home if possible. If you must drive, the most heavily traveled routes will be cleared first.

At the Costco store in Everett, it was business as usual Tuesday night.

At the Edmonds QFC, it was "fairly busy," night closing manager Dave Kesinger said. Customers talked about the snow earlier in the day, but because it hadn’t materialized, it was decreasing as a shopping topic, he said.

Business was brisk at the 56th Avenue Market in Mountlake Terrace, cashier Nathan Lingle said, describing it as busier than usual.

"I think it’s just because it’s around New Year’s," he said.

Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.