Monday commuters to face icy roads across Puget Sound region

Freezing temperatures have settled in over Western Washington after a day of several inches of snow for most locations, creating an ice rink for commuters on Monday morning.

Winter Storm Warnings for the greater Seattle area and Winter Storm Advisories for the whole of Western Washington expired at 3 p.m. However, a Wind Chill Advisory and Wind Advisory are in effect for Bellingham and western Skagit County until Monday morning.

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The back edge of the main snow band have moved through most of Seattle and will continue to push east through this evening. This will bring and end to the bulk of the snowfall for the metro area. Light flurries will remain possible through the overnight hours. #wawx pic.twitter.com/Q1YEbVclWq

— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) December 26, 2021

Temperatures into the teens

Temperatures will dip not just in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, but across the whole region, according to forecasters. Expect low to mid-30s for the highs and teens to low 20s for the lows.

“No snow melting here for the next two to three days, probably,” Seattle meteorologist Michael Snyder, who runs SeattleWXGuy on Twitter, told KIRO Radio.

Snyder said it’s pretty unusual for the Puget Sound region to see temperatures in the teens.

“The last time we were in the mid-teens was in 2010. And in 2008, we did it once there, too,” he said “It’s getting more and more rare for the Puget Sound.”

There’s a chance of snow again at least through Wednesday. Temperatures warm up again on Thursday with rain in the forecast, only to dip back into the 20s and 30s into Friday.

Photos: Seahawks’ Lumen Field blanketed in snow for Bears game

Snyder said that arctic air masses like to arrive in pairs, a lot of times.

The National Weather Service reports the following snow totals for Dec. 26th:

Seattle – 6 ” as of 8:20 a.m.
Arlington – 7.5″ as of 8:15 a.m.
Bellingham – 7″ as of 7:00 a.m.
Bremerton – 5″ as of 8:30 a.m.
Anacortes – 5″ as of 7:30 a.m.
Bainbridge Island – 4″ as of 9:50 a.m.
Everett – 4″ as of 8:45 a.m.
Federal Way – 3″ as of 7:15 a.m.
Olympia – 1.8″ as of 9:00 a.m.
Poulsbo – 1.6″ as of 6:00 a.m.
Tacoma – 0.5″ as of 7:00 a.m.
Port Angeles – 16″ as of 7:00 a.m.
Mount Vernon – 12″ as of 8:40 a.m.
Find more snow totals here

Travel and transportation

Sea-Tac Airport says de-icing is underway.

Crews have been on duty since 6 p.m. last night (12/25) applying anti-ice fluid and sweeping and plowing on the runways, taxiways and ramp areas. Thank you to our airport crews to the airlines that are working hard. And travelers, we appreciate your patience during the snow! https://t.co/xkUgCSZPv4

— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 26, 2021

Anti-icing and snow removal is ongoing on runways, taxiways and the ramp areas. Each airline is responsible for de-icing its aircraft. The average flight delay is about an hour at this time. No delays at the TSA checkpoints. Check with your airline on delays or cancellations. pic.twitter.com/y8cd5WAL6w

— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 26, 2021

Crews with the Washington State Ferries are busy keeping loading ramps clear, but remind travelers that every terminal has snow.

Be aware that every single WSF ferry terminal has snow. Alternate service schedule most routes. This #Mukilteo pic is from one of our captains. Automatic updates on rapidly changing situation from this account to continue today. pic.twitter.com/EDy6KwIj1i

— Washington State Ferries (@wsferries) December 26, 2021

Find snow plow routes in King County
Snow plow routes in Snohomish County
Snow plow routes in Pierce County

Since this snow event began our plow crews have been out clearing the roads. Remember, we're making the lanes passable — there's still going to be snow and ice on the roads so we need your help to keep everyone safe. (earlier photo)

Our snow & ice plan: https://t.co/KJKoOm1fjb pic.twitter.com/F8YpRkEGYB

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) December 26, 2021

Emergency in Seattle

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed an emergency proclamation on Friday in anticipation of the snow and freezing temperatures.

“After a year of unprecedented challenges, Seattle is facing a long duration of dangerously cold temperatures and snow. At the City, our city employees are starting 24/7 shifts to prepare for ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. For this winter weather emergency, our crews and employees are available to keep our community safe and warm, but if you don’t need to travel or gather, please don’t as we’re facing dual emergencies of COVID-19 and freezing temperatures,” Mayor Durkan said in a written release.

In addition to two previously announced shelters and warming centers, the city is opening centers at Seattle City Hall, International District/Chinatown Community Center, Magnuson Building #406, Northgate Community Center, and Rainier Beach Community Center.

Find an update on city operations here.

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