Fresh snow skipped Tacoma area but high winds possible in Cascade foothills
Another winter storm dumped heavy snow over parts of Western Washington by Wednesday morning, but South Sound seemed to be spared.
Forecasters said there’s a 30 percent chance snow falls by the Tacoma area by lunch but that there would be little to no accumulation.
That’s thanks to overnight breezy winds that warmed temperatures enough to push the precipitation north.
Clallam, San Juan, Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties were the hardest hit.
Port Angeles was pummeled with 2-3 inches of snow per hour, and an overnight accumulation of more than 18 inches.
Despite not receiving fresh snow, three school districts in Pierce County opted to start late or close for the day due to icy road conditions. (See the list here).
“Snow will have a greater tendency to stick to the roads after a few days of cool temperatures,” Cliff Mass, a University of Washington meteorologist, wrote on his blog.
The latest storm is expected to bring increasing winds with gusts from 55 to 60 mph in the Cascade foothills, according to the National Weather Service.
A high wind warning was issued in some places, including Bonney Lake, Enumclaw and Prairie Ridge. It is in effect from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Thursday and Friday bring another chance of snow, then rain returns Saturday.
This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 7:02 AM.
