Some areas get Christmas snow

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A few areas of Western Washington are getting treated to a white Christmas, but it hasn't been a joyful sight for everyone.

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KIRO 7 Eyewitness News meteorologist Morgan Palmer said some accumulations will occur through the early afternoon across Kitsap County and some sections of the South Sound, while upward of 6 inches or more of heavy snow will fall across the western parts of Hood Canal.

East of Puget Sound, expect some minor accumulations mainly above 1,000 feet with 3-6" of snow affecting the mountain passes.

Snow was reported to be falling in Kitsap County, Thurston County, Pierce County and in the Hood Canal area.  Some snowflakes fell in SeaTac and Mukilteo as well, but areas near the water did not see significant accumulations.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Bremerton area until 1 p.m.

The snow wasn't a happy sight for everyone, however.  In Thurston County, the Washington State Patrol said snow caused 35 crashes from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.   In Olympia, the driver of a pickup lost control and then lost the boat he was towing.

The snow will be short-lived for most areas, though.  Palmer said through the afternoon, warmer air will work in slowly from the Pacific Ocean, causing snow levels to rise and ending most of the lowland snow threat, except for the Hood Canal area.

Temperatures will rise to the lower 40s later Tuesday and in the evening it will be showery in the lowlands before scattered off-and-on showers on Wednesday.

Drying slowly takes place from Thursday into the weekend.

Meanwhile, Stevens Pass remains closed eastbound and westbound between the summit and Leavenworth.   Drivers can reach the ski area from the west,  but have to take an alternate route to get to Leavenworth.

Heavy snow brought down trees that are covering the road. Two people were killed when a tree landed on their vehicle last week.

A helicopter might be used later this week to move some of the debris out of the way.  If  that doesn't work, it will take warmer temperatures and a break in snowfall for the pass to reopen.

KIRO