Snowstorm Prompts Seattle To Activate Emergency Operations Center

SEATTLE, WA - Mayor Ed Murray opened the city's emergency operations center on Monday night to deal with a storm that could bring as much as 3 inches of snow to the region overnight into Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the mayor's office.

The emergency center will coordinate the city's response to snowy conditions. National Weather Service forecasts have indicated that several inches of snow could fall overnight, although snow totals will vary. The most up-to-date forecasts showed higher snow totals in north Seattle up I-5 to Everett.

If snow falls north of Seattle, the Tuesday morning commute could be hectic. The weather service is also predicting temperatures that could freeze wet roadways with black ice.

The city has also opened an emergency shelter at the Seattle Center, which will stay open through Dec. 8.

Image of snow in downtown Seattle Monday morning