Seattle gears up for first possible snow of the winter
Jan 30, 2019, 12:54 PM | Updated: Feb 1, 2019, 5:42 am
(AP)
Western Washington faces either lit up with delight, or frowned with disbelief, upon checking their smartphones’ weather apps this week. Many forecasts were featuring snowflake icons starting this weekend, indicating snow could be on the way.
@NickAllardKIRO7 says don’t freak out about snowflake on your apps. Way too early to call. #innickwetrust pic.twitter.com/uc4sAelgy9
— Chris Sullivan (@NEWSGUYSULLY) January 30, 2019
Depending on the source, snow is possible for Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday.
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But the National Weather Service is cautious in its prediction. While Seattle will almost certainly get its “coldest air of the season” late Sunday, the prospect of snow is still far from guaranteed.
Coldest air of the season arrives later on Sunday. Potential for some snow showers exists late Sunday into Monday across the area as a system slides to our south. However, it is still too early to determine amounts and location of the snow. #WAwx pic.twitter.com/QTok3rK2Eb
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 31, 2019
KIRO 7 meteorologist Morgan Palmer also predicts that “it’ll probably be cold enough for snow in most lowland locations — including the larger cities around Puget Sound — late Sunday night into Monday morning.”
❄ So you're telling me there's a chance… ❄
YES! Talking #wasnow chances on @KIRO7Seattle at 5pm now. #wawx
LIVE: https://t.co/pvFp8s386G
SNOWBLOG: https://t.co/zkpGuRYCCX pic.twitter.com/6ZiI7EYvjc
— Morgan Palmer (@MorganKIRO7) February 1, 2019
He also notes, though, that it looks like moisture will dry up, producing more in the range of “snow showers” than straight flurries.
Bottom line when it’s all said and done, while it’s still early to know for sure, Palmer remains optimistic about the chances of snow in some form.
“I think it’s safe to say that conditions will be favorable for lowland snow Sunday into Monday,” he said.
If it does end up snowing on Sunday or Monday, there is one upside, as KIRO Radio Traffic Reporter Chris Sullivan points out.
“Snow wouldn’t be a problem on Monday … in the new SR 99 tunnel,” Sullivan said.
The tunnel could open by Monday.