snow.jpg
A light snow is seen in North Seattle. The rain-snow mix falling in much of Western Washington. (MyNorthwest.com Photo/Josh Kerns)

Western Washington wakes up to rain-snow mix

BY Alyssa Kleven  on December 19, 2012 @ 5:39 am (Updated: 2:24 pm - 12/19/12 )

Most of Washington saw at least a little snow on Wednesday, and it's really piling up in the mountains.

Check the current forecast

A storm that moved in Wednesday morning dropped wet snow at lower elevations of Western Washington. Amounts were more than an inch near Copalis Crossing, 2 inches at Poulsbo, an inch at Bremerton, half an inch at Everett and lesser amounts at Seattle, Olympia and Tacoma.

The NWS forecasted some isolated snow around Puget Sound that could stick to the roads, but most saw a rain and snow mix.

"Most areas that are seeing snow are seeing a sloppy rain-snow mix. It shouldn't be a major problem," said Dustin Guy, with the National Weather Service.

The tendency for a higher "urban heat level," meant things stayed pretty wet around Seattle and Tacoma.

"Urban areas tend to be warmer than outlying areas," explained Guy. Often concrete contributes to this, he said.

Most of any lingering Western Washington snow is turning to rain, but forecasters say the storm will leave up to 2 feet of new snow in the Cascades by Thursday morning.

Traffic reporter Kimi Kline said she did see heavier traffic on the roadways Wednesday, but drivers appeared to be using caution and driving slower than usual when conditions were difficult.

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road

The Washington State Department of Transportation warned drivers should be prepared for areas of ice and drive appropriately for the conditions when winter weather conditions are present.

This chill so close to the holidays may have you thinking of a white Christmas, but forecasters say you're out of luck. Christmas Day will likely be the warmest day in the next week.

Alyssa Kleven, MyNorthwest.com Editor
Alyssa Kleven is an editor and content producer at MyNorthwest.com. She enjoys doting over her adorable dachshund Winnie - named for Arcade Fire front-man Win Butler.
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