Friday Storm To Bring Heavy Mountain Snow, Gusty Winds

SEATTLE, WA — Wet snow will be possible in many lowland areas early Friday morning, as a new weather system moves into the region, packing high winds and steady precipitation throughout the day. The National Weather Service said the highest likelihood for snow in low elevations would be between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday, and the chances are much higher in areas north of Everett and elevations above 500 feet, where accumulations between 1 to 2 inches are possible.

Forecasters said rain in the Skokomish River basin may push the river back above flood stage Friday, and minor flooding will continue along portions of the Chehalis river.

MOUNTAIN SNOW

Snow levels will rise later in the morning, turning to steady rain for most Puget Sound towns Friday — but the mountain passes are in for some serious snow. NWS Seattle said significant travel impacts are likely in all mountain passes, along with sharply rising avalanche dangers through the weekend. Briefing materials distributed Thursday morning showed expected snowfall totals between 24 and 30 inches in Snoqualmie and Stevens passes between Friday and Sunday morning.

HIGH WINDS FRIDAY

Another notable element of Friday's storm will be gusty winds around the region. Maximum gusts in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Mount Vernon are forecast between 35 and 40 mph, while the Bellingham area may see winds as high as 50 mph.

PLUNGING TEMPERATURES SUNDAY & NEXT WEEK

Temperatures will turn very cold everywhere on Sunday as an arctic front arrives in the Pacific Northwest, kicking off a prolonged stretch of sub-freezing conditions and potentially widespread snow next week. Estimates on the timing and severity of any snowstorms next week are still uncertain, but frigid temperatures would allow for snow if moisture materializes.

Snow levels Sunday are forecast between 0 and 1,000 feet, and wet lowland snow is possible.

According to the NWS, lows in Seattle and Olympia could plunge into the mid-teens by Wednesday, and down to single digits near Bellingham. High temperatures might not escape the mid-20s by mid-week.