More snow is expected to begin falling within the next few hours in Snohomish and Island counties, but it looks as if the worst of the weather won’t hit until after the evening commute, experts said this morning.
The bitterly cold air that has blanketed the area since Sunday is expected to soon begin mixing with a wet weather system that is drifting in off the Pacific Ocean. That combination can be expected to bring snow, changing to sleet, freezing rain, and eventually just cold drizzle, meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Seattle said this morning.
Snowfall of three inches or more is forecast in Snohomish and Island counties in the coming hours, but the worst of the accumulation likely won’t occur until after the evening commute, officials said. The challenge is predicting when the transition from snowfall to rain will occur.
Commuters were advised to try to head home early and plan to stay at home tonight.
“If you don’t have to travel, don’t,” meteorologist Ted Buehner said.
A winter weather advisory will be in effect from 5 p.m. today to 10 a.m. Thursday. Most area schools are closed, or operating under reduced hours.
The morning commute saw a handful of spinouts on icy roads but traffic moved along easily in most places, according to the Washington State Patrol.
This morning, major roads were mostly bare and wet and crews continued to focus on trouble areas such as ramps, outlying state routes and some remaining icy spots, according to the state Department of Transportation. Drivers are still being advised to use caution as temperatures remain below freezing this morning.
Crews were gearing up for the snowy conditions expected to arrive this afternoon. The state Department of Transportation is providing the following tips for drivers:
The Snohomish County Chapter of the American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the Community Church of Smokey Point, 17721 Smokey Point Blvd., Marysville. Red Cross officials in Island County also have opened a shelter at Camano Lutheran Church, 850 N. Heichel Road, Stanwood.
“Bring personal hygiene items, medications and a pillow,” said Coni Conner, Red Cross disaster services manager. “Cots and blankets will be available, but shelter occupants might want to bring their own bedding such as a comforter or sleeping bag.”
Conner asked that people who know of neighbors who may be without power or an alternative heating source to inform them of the shelter opening. Many may also be without phone service.
There were three people seeking refuge at Red Cross shelters in Snohomish and Island counties this morning.
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