Weather
Snow Brings School Delays, Road Closures and Power Outages
Some lowland areas saw several inches of snow overnight — others settled for just a dusting. There will be another shot by mid-week.
SEATTLE, WA — An arctic front propelled wet, lowland snow across Western Washington Sunday night and Monday morning, causing some headaches on the roads and prompting the closure of a dozen school districts in King and Snohomish counties. According to the National Weather Service's snowfall report map, accumulations were highest in Snohomish County, east King County, and Kitsap County.
There's a tree down in Vine Maple blocking 143rd Pl SE. You'll have to drive around until the Public Works crews can get it cleared. pic.twitter.com/9R5KQsIGD8
— Mill Creek Police Dept. (@millcreekpd) January 13, 2020
Forecasters expect scattered snow showers to continue through Monday before conditions dry out Tuesday. A second round of snow is expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon or evening, and temperatures are expected to stay at or below freezing in many areas for several days.
Wintry WX continues into TUE morn for W WA. About 1" or less for most thru TUE morn. Wind speeds will be strong in W Whatcom, San Juans, & areas along Coast & Strait. Wind chills in teens for most, with below 0 in W Whatcom. Stay warm & safe out there! #WAwx pic.twitter.com/amlIXRnwGE
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 13, 2020
Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
South Sounders: You may have missed out on the fun last night, but not tonight! An inch or so of snow is possible from about SeaTac/Renton south through Tacoma & Olympia. Map shown is predicted from 4 pm today-4 pm Tues pic.twitter.com/4aKEddFcI9
— Seattle Weather Blog (@KSeattleWeather) January 13, 2020
ROAD CLOSURES
Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find a list of current road closures in King County here.
Find a list of current road closures in Snohomish County here.
Find a list of current road closures in Pierce County here.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS CLOSED MONDAY
Mukilteo SD
Everett SD
Edmonds SD
Lake Stevens SD
Issaquah SD
Kent SD
Bellevue SD
Lake Washington SD
Snoqualmie Valley SD
Skykomish SD
Shoreline SD
Northshore SD
POWER OUTAGES
Heavy snow on trees and wires led to power outages in some areas into Monday morning. Puget Sound Energy estimated 12,000 customers were still without power at 10 a.m. The biggest pockets for outages were seen around Duvall, Port Gamble and Bainbridge Island. That total shrunk to about 4,500 by Monday afternoon. In Snohomish County, more than 5,000 were still without power by the afternoon.
#TeamPUD crews have been out all night and continue with repairs this morning. Here we see a line crew working to raise and set a new power pole after trees with heavy snow came down across a line on Dubuque Road. For latest on outages, check https://t.co/EPNKCATNPv pic.twitter.com/ZK2sbyVPfc
— Snohomish County PUD (@SnoPUD) January 13, 2020
MOUNTAIN PASSES
The Washington State Department of Transportation closed Stevens Pass Sunday evening, citing safety concerns, after heavy snow brought down several trees. The pass was still blocked in both directions Monday, and troopers said it would remain closed indefinitely.
On US 2: In the light of day it's easier to see the potential hazard for falling trees. That tilt you see means the trees are burdened with snow and could fall or break. This is what we are seeing between Skykomish and the summit right now. The pass remains closed. pic.twitter.com/qughQsgxxo
— WSDOT East (@WSDOT_East) January 13, 2020
WHAT'S NEXT
Frigid conditions will stay in place, but temperatures will not be quite as cold as initially forecast. Forecasters said refreezes were still likely Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Lows are expected in the 20s for most, dipping to the teens in Whatcom County. Untreated roads are likely to remain covered in snow or icy in the days ahead.
Tuesday Morning Lows:
Bellingham: 14 degrees
Everett: 24 degrees
Seattle: 27 degrees
Tacoma: 26 degrees
Wednesday Morning Lows:
Bellingham: 16 degrees
Everett: 22 degrees
Seattle: 26 degrees
Tacoma: 24 degrees
Another period of lowland snow will be possible Wednesday into Thursday, but there are still a few uncertainties in the forecast. Early indications show a system arriving Wednesday night with strong easterly winds, which could limit snow along the I-5 corridor and in the foothills, while bringing higher accumulations across the Kitsap Peninsula. Generally, forecasters are expecting a rain/snow mix south of Seattle and more snow north of Seattle.
The National Weather Service is also keeping an eye on a potential jump in temperatures possible Friday, which could bring flooding concerns with the melting snow.
Related: Freezing Temperatures, Lowland Snow Arrive In Western Washington
Dreamy scene at #snoqualmie #falls today w/ the #snow @KSeattleWeather @NWSSeattle @SnoqualmieGov #seattlesnow #seattle pic.twitter.com/uLfxB3b9tJ
— Ian Malcolm (@stuckpx) January 13, 2020
The snow not letting up on the way to Issaquah. Accumulating and slowing traffic on I 90 this afternoon. #k5winter #wasnow pic.twitter.com/CTl89lanJp
— Greg Thies | KING5 (@K5Greg) January 13, 2020
Heavy snow snaps a tree and bends a power line at Avondale and 140th north of SR 202. Crews are on the way. Check closed roads and see what's been plowed https://t.co/hahNs1YQg3 Stay safe, go slow, we're all in this together. #wawx pic.twitter.com/nmfybX897X
— KC Road Services (@kcroads) January 13, 2020
Areas of snow with the Convergence Zone activity across western King County this afternoon. Send us your reports! #WAwx https://t.co/hcTcOj7O86
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 13, 2020
It's coming down hard downtown! @KSeattleWeather@NWSSeattle @WaWxChasers pic.twitter.com/M9jbzuetB2
— amelia (@amperx11) January 13, 2020
Snowing on Hill again pic.twitter.com/qifWwJkPrB
— jseattle (@jseattle) January 13, 2020
No injuries after a tree fell on this vehicle while driving south bound on SR-9 at SR-92 about an hour ago. Road is open and tree debris removed by @wsdot. pic.twitter.com/FCtnn1L1ic
— Trooper H. Axtman (@wspd7pio) January 13, 2020
City of Everett has more than 30 people from the Department of Public Works clearing roads. Officials say the heavy snow has caused several trees to fall. Public works is collaborating with tree removal companies. pic.twitter.com/SPK3On2G1Y
— Franque Thompson (@FranqueThompson) January 13, 2020
Crews will continue working around the clock, hitting major and minor arterials first, then making their way to side streets. If you have concerns about road conditions for a specific location, please call our Public Works dispatch at 425-257-8821 to share your observations.
— City of Everett (@EverettCity) January 13, 2020
NE 85th St. will be temporarily closed between 6th St. and I-405 for snow maintenance. pic.twitter.com/sSQWkMBK5R
— Kirkland, Washington (@kirklandgov) January 13, 2020
Road conditions at 8 a.m. on Hwy 9 north through Lake Stevens from 20th St SE 204 pic.twitter.com/6hIOw6jXUO
— Snohomish Sheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) January 13, 2020
ROAD CLOSURE: Reiter Rd is closed about 2 miles east of May Creek Rd for a mudslide that is fully blocking the roadway. There are no reported injuries or damage to structures. #wawx pic.twitter.com/MwGus0RX38
— Snohomish Sheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) January 13, 2020
ROAD CLOSURE: The intersection at 159th Ave SE and Westwick Rd is closed for downed power lines. #wawx pic.twitter.com/3zoIcLZP0i
— Snohomish Sheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) January 13, 2020
Dozens of trees have fallen due to heavy snow across Ben Howard Road between Monroe and Sultan. Hundreds in this area without power #komonews pic.twitter.com/8GOcZ4lRVY
— Peter Mongillo (@PeterMonPhotog) January 13, 2020
Be prepared for extremely icy streets! Public Works crews worked throughout the night with 2 plow/sanders. They will have 3 trucks on the day shift today. City Hall is closed due to the icy road conditions. If you do not have to go out, please stay home. https://t.co/usyJE9qaEs
— Lake Forest Park PD (@lfppd_police) January 13, 2020
UPDATE: Traffic is moving again on NE 85th Street. Please drive safely and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. https://t.co/NDMLoKr3Jr
— Kirkland, Washington (@kirklandgov) January 13, 2020
Road conditions are still slushy and wet. Plows are out on all priority one routes. 68th Ave NE still closed between NE 182nd St and NE 185th St
— City of Kenmore (@KenmoreWA) January 13, 2020
While the main roads we’ve travelled have appeared mostly clear, snow is heavy on side roads. Among the secondary routes that are closed ... - Beachwood Avenue - South Kingston Road at Claire - Kingston Street at Indianola Road pic.twitter.com/aTEI2lZlrr
— N. Kitsap Fire (@NKFandR) January 13, 2020
City crews worked overnight to plow primary snow routes and apply salt/de-icer on curves, hills, and intersections. There are no road closures in place at this time. City Hall, Spartan Rec, & Shoreline Pool are all open today. Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. pic.twitter.com/JrWHCUDO73
— City of Shoreline (@ShorelineWAGov) January 13, 2020
All city offices are closed today. School is closed today. There is tons of snow and y’all should just stay home and enjoy yourselves. Meanwhile, Public Works will be out ruining your sledding areas. #wasnow #wawx pic.twitter.com/NMGbAiyddc
— City of Duvall (@CityofDuvall) January 13, 2020
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