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With snow in forecast, drivers urged to plan for winter driving conditions

SEATTLE — State transportation officials are urging commuters to plan for winter driving conditions Monday, as a cold front could bring snow and ice to the Seattle region.

The weather conditions could snarl traffic for commuters and drivers who are heading to the Seattle Seahawks football game in Seattle Monday night.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News meteorologist Morgan Palmer said the snow level will plummet to about 500 feet Monday morning.  Sultan and Monroe had already seen snowfall.

“While the atmosphere will be slowly drying out, enough moisture remains for heavy snow in the mountains, and a chance of a rain-snow mix in the lowlands. The best chance will be north of Everett, where a coating up to 2 inches of snow is possible on grassy surfaces,” said Palmer.

Spotty snow showers will occur mainly above 500 feet but there is a chance of some snow in the Seattle area by afternoon.

“Farther south, totals for places that see snow will be a coating of up to an inch. We'll track a band of mix/snow moving south with the arctic push Monday afternoon. It will be trending toward drier weather for Monday Night Football, but there's still a chance of some flurries -- plus there may be icy spots on the roads,” said Palmer.

Palmer noted that most areas won’t see any precipitation of note at all.

In the mountains, both directions of Interstate 90 were closed from North Bend to Ellensburg for nearly 7 hours after high winds downed trees and caused four collisions.

It's snowing at Snoqualmie Pass where snow and slush is on the roads. Traction tires are advised.

The conditions on Stevens Pass are more severe, with heavy snow falling and compact snow and ice on US 2. Chains are required on all vehicles except all wheel drive.

Oversize vehicles are prohibited on both passes.

The coming week through next weekend brings colder temperatures with highs for most of the week barely above freezing, but it’s expected to be dry.

KIRO

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