Subfreezing temperatures and breezy conditions will bring icy roads, power outages, and very cold conditions over the next few days.
What’s coming??Subfreezing temperatures and possible snow flurries Monday night through Tuesday night.
How cold will it get? Tuesday morning, expect morning temperatures anywhere between 24 degrees (Everett) and 11 degrees (Stevens Pass). Combined with the breezy conditions, the wind chill could push temperatures into the single digits in East Snohomish County.
Prepare for an icy commute Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Today’s temperatures may get up into the high 30’s, meaning some of the snow and ice will melt today only to refreeze overnight. Stay off of the roads if you can. If you must travel, check WSDOT’s Traffic twitter account (https://twitter.com/wsdot_traffic) for current conditions on I-5, I-405 and our state highways. The Sheriff’s Office will be posting local road closures to their twitter account as well (https://twitter.com/SnoCoSheriff).
Prepare to be without electricity. #TeamPUD crews will continue to restore power to customers as quickly as conditions allow. The PUD prioritizes outages from big to small, focusing on the higher-voltage transmission level that power substations with large customers like hospitals, schools and businesses. Next, are main circuits from substations that serve neighborhoods and businesses. Finally, smaller outages that serve a handful of homes are addressed. Don’t call 911 if you lose power. Report outages to 425-783-1001 or outagemap.snopud.com.
Heat your home safely. Beware of carbon monoxide emissions. Never use a gas stove or charcoal grill inside you home. Run portable generators in a well-vented outside area. If your power is out, designate a warmer area in your home as a primary living area, preferably with fewer windows. Dress in layers and, if needed, with a scarf, gloves and hat.
Need a place to stay? With below-freezing temperatures forecast this week, we expect an increased demand for cold weather shelter. Multiple locations in Snohomish County provide overnight shelter when temperatures are below 32 degrees F. Coordinators and volunteers work hard to meet the need in the community, but space is limited. If you are in need of shelter, please call 211 or call ahead to a cold weather shelter. Additional information, including a list of local shelters indicating which are open, is available at www.snohd.org/cold.
Snohomish County road crews are ready. Remember to give snowplows and deicers plenty of room this evening. Allow a minimum following distance of 200 feet from plows and deicers while they work. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the displaced snow and ice, or sand spray.
Help each other. Keep an eye on your kids and pets if you are outside, especially near any ponds, lakes or rivers. Check on your elderly or home-bound neighbors.
Stay safe.?If you must go out. Talk over your travel plans with others in your home, even if the trip is just a few miles.?Be sure to wear extra layers of outerwear if you will be outside for any length of time (jackets, hats, gloves, extra socks, etc.)
Social Media Accounts to Follow for Updates:?
https://twitter.com/snocounty?
https://twitter.com/SnoCo_DEM?
https://twitter.com/SnoCoSheriff?
https://twitter.com/SnoPUD?
https://twitter.com/SnoHD?
https://twitter.com/NWSSeattle?
https://twitter.com/wsdot?
https://twitter.com/MyCommTransBus??
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Other Winter Storm Resources:?
Snow and Ice Response:?https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2113/Snow-and-Ice-Response?
Road closure:?http://www.snoco.org/App4/SPW/PWApp/roads/emclosure/index.html?
Priority routes:?http://www.snoco.org/App4/SPW/PublicWorks/RoadMaint/snowIcePlanRouteMap.html?
Real-time road conditions from WSDOT:?https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/?
SnoPUD Outage Map:?outagemap.snopud.com?
The National Weather Service – Seattle:?https://www.weather.gov/sew/