As snowstorm fades, icy roads take its place
Feb 6, 2017, 11:04 AM | Updated: Feb 7, 2017, 5:46 am
The snowstorm is expected to taper off later on Monday. (MyNorthwest
Despite the lowland snow quickly melting away, many school districts in Western Washington are taking extra precautions.
Dozens of schools will either remain closed Tuesday, or have a delayed start.
With temperatures dipping below freezing Monday night, many side roads in the Puget Sound region are potentially icy. KIRO 7 reports there are several closed roads in Pierce County.
Seattle has been pointing to its winter weather road plan via its social media. That plan highlights “gold” and “emerald” routes throughout the city. Those are the major routes that crews will focus on keeping clear into Tuesday morning.
The Washington State Department of Transportation has stated similar reminders, noting via twitter: “As darkness falls across the land, be aware that today’s melting snow will quickly turn to ice as temps drop.”
After the snow stopped falling Monday afternoon, rain and warm temperatures replaced it, creating a slush on the ground. But overnight temperatures dipping in to the low 30s had the potential to freeze wet roads.
The National Weather Service says Tuesday should be “mostly dry for the Seattle area, with rain moving in later in the day or on Wednesday.”
The National Weather Services advises that Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass will continue to be affected by snowfall over Monday evening, producing snow covered and slippery roads.
Related: Utility crews bringing back power after snow storm
Weather advisories after the snowstorm
Winter Weather Advisories remained in effect for Western Whatcom County, and the Cascades of Snohomish, King, Pierce and Lewis counties. Schools in Whatcom County remain closed Tuesday.
University of Washington professor and Climatologist Cliff Mass said that the snowstorm was at its end for many areas by Monday afternoon.
Related: Snow totals from the storm
That doesn’t necessarily mean the dangers posed by the snow will cease. KIRO 7 reports, for example, that the snow weighed down a tree in Seattle’s Woodland Park. In turn, that tree fell on a man in the park Monday afternoon. That man is reportedly going to be OK.
#BREAKING part of Woodland Pk closed because of tree fall on man, maybe more risky trees @KIRO7Seattle @DeborahKIRO7 pic.twitter.com/wEv5R1EnC3
— Bill Skok (@BillKIRO7) February 6, 2017
Elsewhere, utility crews are working to restore power to communities with downed power lines.
Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest
