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Freezing Temperatures, Lowland Snow Arrive In Western Washington

Snow levels dropped to the lowlands Sunday night, and freezing temps are expected to stick around until at least Wednesday.

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The King County city of Duvall, Washington recorded several inches of snow after an arctic front moved into the region Sunday.
The King County city of Duvall, Washington recorded several inches of snow after an arctic front moved into the region Sunday. (City of Duvall)

SEATTLE, WA — Frigid air settled in Puget Sound Sunday evening, bringing lowland snow to many towns and a hard freeze that is expected to last several days across Western Washington. Snowfall was especially pronounced in Snohomish County, where a convergence zone formed Sunday afternoon, allowing for higher-than-expected accumulation in some areas. The arctic front continued to drift southward overnight, and drivers should plan for slick roads during the Monday morning commute.

Latest: Snow Brings School Delays, Road Closures and Power Outages

Forecasters said sub-freezing temperatures will continue through at least Wednesday, with a chance they could stretch even further into the week.

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The two most likely times for widespread lowland snow were expected Sunday night and Wednesday afternoon. Tuesday is forecast to stay dry in most towns, with some lingering showers possible in areas south.

POTENTIAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS

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Sunday Night/Monday Morning:
Updated forecasts showed trace amounts to 2 inches of snow possible across the region, with the heaviest accumulations likely up north and across the convergence zone, where 2 to 4 inches could fall by Monday morning. Heavy snow is expected in all mountain passes.

Wednesday Afternoon:
The second storm is forecast to bring between 1 and 6 inches of snow across the Puget Sound lowlands, with the heaviest accumulations expected in the South Sound. More precise projections on the timing and geography of the snowfall will be available closer to mid-week.

MONDAY COMMUTE

NWS Seattle said most concentrated lowland snowfall should end early Monday, close to the morning commute, but temperatures will remain below freezing, allowing for potentially icy or snow-covered roads. Flurries may continue south of Snohomish County into Monday afternoon.

WIND GUSTS

Fraser River outflow winds are expected to bring strong gusts across Whatcom County, with 50 to 60 mph winds possible around Bellingham. Power outages and tree damage are possible. Gusts elsewhere, in Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma are projected between 25 and 30 mph.

WINTER STORM ALERTS

A Winter Storm Watch was in place Sunday for portions of Snohomish, King and Pierce counties. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for much of Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties, as well as the mountains.

MOUNTAIN PASSES

Heavy snow will lead to hazardous driving conditions and avalanche dangers in all mountain passes. Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and White Pass were forecast to receive up to 2 feet of new snow by late Monday afternoon.

FRIGID TEMPERATURES

Monday morning lows are forecast at 30 degrees for Seattle and Tacoma, and getting progressively colder up north. The Everett area will start the day in the mid-20s, and Bellingham is forecast in the mid-teens. Afternoon highs in most areas Monday could be just one or two degrees warmer than the lows. Tuesday is expected to be even cooler.

Forecast TemperaturesBellinghamSeattleTacomaOlympia
Monday Lows17303031
Monday Highs19313134
Tuesday Lows13262526
Tuesday Highs18303033
Wednesday Lows15272527
Wednesday Highs28343434

SUNDAY UPDATES:

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