More snow than we’ve seen in a long time hit the Seattle area overnight, making fun for some, but some dicey driving for others.
The National Weather Service was even surprised by the amount of snowfall. Meteorologist Josh Smith said they predicted up to an inch of snow, but many parts of Seattle had about three inches.
“It was definitely more than we expected,” he said.
Weather models didn’t predict how big the low pressure system was off shore, making it a tough event to forecast, he said.
Temperatures are expected to rise, with no fear of icy roads tonight.
Then we’re in for rain over the next few days.
Everyone is talking about the snow, however. Accumulations ranged from a couple of inches to 3.5 inches in South King County. Almost three inches fell at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, breaking the previous daily record of less than a half inch of snow. Parts of Thurston County had 5.4 inches of snow.
The State Patrol reported 150 accidents in King County since the snow began falling and it was even worse in Thurston and Pierce counties, where some 200 accidents were reported.
A collision on State Route 9 in Lake Stevens left a 69-year-old man dead, according to the State Patrol. Trooper Mark Francis said weather and speed appear to be factors in the accident.
Most highways and major arterials are bare and wet, but side streets and roads less traveled are still snow and ice-covered. Caution is advised.
Snoqualmie Pass is covered in snow and ice and chains are required unless you have all-wheel drive.
There’s a 70 percent chance of rain tonight, according to the Weather Service forecast.
Then we return to more typical Seattle weather.
Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, with temperatures possibly reaching the upper 40s. Rain is likely Tuesday, with a high near 48. More rain on Wednesday (60 percent) and a high near 48.
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2014/02/snows-here-but-rain-and-warmer-weather-coming/
The National Weather Service was even surprised by the amount of snowfall. Meteorologist Josh Smith said they predicted up to an inch of snow, but many parts of Seattle had about three inches.
“It was definitely more than we expected,” he said.
Weather models didn’t predict how big the low pressure system was off shore, making it a tough event to forecast, he said.
Temperatures are expected to rise, with no fear of icy roads tonight.
Then we’re in for rain over the next few days.
Everyone is talking about the snow, however. Accumulations ranged from a couple of inches to 3.5 inches in South King County. Almost three inches fell at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, breaking the previous daily record of less than a half inch of snow. Parts of Thurston County had 5.4 inches of snow.
The State Patrol reported 150 accidents in King County since the snow began falling and it was even worse in Thurston and Pierce counties, where some 200 accidents were reported.
A collision on State Route 9 in Lake Stevens left a 69-year-old man dead, according to the State Patrol. Trooper Mark Francis said weather and speed appear to be factors in the accident.
Most highways and major arterials are bare and wet, but side streets and roads less traveled are still snow and ice-covered. Caution is advised.
Snoqualmie Pass is covered in snow and ice and chains are required unless you have all-wheel drive.
There’s a 70 percent chance of rain tonight, according to the Weather Service forecast.
Then we return to more typical Seattle weather.
Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, with temperatures possibly reaching the upper 40s. Rain is likely Tuesday, with a high near 48. More rain on Wednesday (60 percent) and a high near 48.
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2014/02/snows-here-but-rain-and-warmer-weather-coming/
