Weather

Overnight Snow Misses Seattle, Gusty Winds Expected Wednesday

Snow bands from the Olympic Peninsula bypassed the Seattle metro Tuesday night, settling over northern counties and the Kitsap Peninsula.

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Snowy weather began to filter into central Puget Sound from the Olympic Peninsula Tuesday night, but the highest impacts were found outside King and Snohomish counties.
Snowy weather began to filter into central Puget Sound from the Olympic Peninsula Tuesday night, but the highest impacts were found outside King and Snohomish counties. (National Weather Service)

SEATTLE, WA — A band of heavy snow moved across the Olympic Peninsula Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, largely skipping the Seattle metro area — apart from a few flurries. Early forecasts indicated a strong chance parts of Seattle could see a few inches of snow overnight, but the strongest weather was instead confined to towns along the Straight of Juan de Fuca, the Kitsap Peninsula and portions of Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Updates: Snow Returns To Seattle, More Precipitation Incoming Tonight

The National Weather Service said early reports indicated close to a foot of snow fell in Port Angeles, with 6 to 9 inches recorded along the Hood Canal.

Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Some areas of Snohomish County were still expected to pick up some snow by Wednesday morning, but forecasters said the highest northern totals were likely in Skagit and Whatcom counties, before the system moves into Canada.

Most snowfall south of Bellingham was expected to end before the Wednesday morning commute. Snow-covered or icy roads may cause lingering travel impacts for drivers.

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SCHOOL IMPACTS WEDNESDAY (King & Snohomish)

Seattle Public Schools announced all schools would be closed — and student activities canceled — Wednesday after a review of the forecast.

In Snohomish County, the Arlington, Stanwood and Granite Falls school districts said all classes would be canceled Wednesday.

Two-hour delayed starts were announced Tuesday night in the Shoreline, Snoqualmie Valley, Everett, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Monroe, Snohomish, and Sultan school districts.

FREEZING TEMPERATURES WEDNESDAY MORNING

NWS Seattle said a widespread refreeze is expected Wednesday morning, with lows in the mid-to-high 20s from Mount Vernon down to Olympia, and lower up north, near Bellingham. Afternoon highs Wednesday are forecast to reach 38 degrees in Everett, Seattle and Tacoma. Dry conditions are expected across Puget Sound until Wednesday afternoon or evening.

HIGH WINDS WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

Strong easterly winds are expected to develop from the Cascade foothills to the East Puget Sound Lowlands in the afternoon, with gusts generally between 30 and 35 mph. Winds will be higher along the coast and in Whatcom County. Bellingham could see gusts between 50 and 60 mph.

NEXT SYSTEM: WEDNESDAY NIGHT

More widespread precipitation was forecast to arrive by Wednesday evening, bringing a small chance for lowland snow in some areas. NWS meteorologists said strong easterly winds, and higher afternoon temperatures, were likely to limit snowfall, keeping it largely away from the I-5 corridor and the foothills. More certainty on the next system is expected by Wednesday afternoon.

FRIDAY/WEEKEND

Forecasters continue to expect more rainfall and a swift rise in temperatures Friday, bringing the potential for flooding into the weekend.

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