Everett snow forecast fades, but lows to drop to teens for days

DARRINGTON — This isn’t Darrington’s first rodeo, Mayor Dan Rankin said.

On Wednesday, meteorologists predicted Darrington will most likely see snow showers, with a volatile forecast that could bring 6 to 12 inches of snow in the “valleys of Snohomish and King Counties,” according to a storm warning issued Wednesday afternoon.

Icy temperatures, as low as 5 degrees, were also a concern in inland Snohomish County.

“We have pretty good confidence that we are going to be able to deal with anything coming down the pipe,” Rankin said, chuckling.

Meanwhile in Everett, the lowlands were expected to see a mix of flurries with rain Thursday, instead of a snowstorm that seemed likely earlier. The forecasted low at sea level was 18 degrees, meteorologists said. Lows could remain in the teens until Sunday, and the highs could be below freezing until Monday.

The weather service predicted a 20% chance of snow in the lowlands going into the weekend.

At higher elevations this week, a blizzard brought at least 19 inches of snow to Stevens Pass, causing U.S. 2 to close. The pass reopened around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday with chains required, Washington State Patrol trooper Kelsey Harding said.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Cascades, predicting another 12 to 20 inches of snow accumulation in the Cascades. The watch was in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday.

Meteorologists warned “travel could be very difficult” on Highway 530, U.S. 2 and I-90.

Darrington was also expecting a 30% to 40% chance of snow over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Snow levels were expected to be 500 feet, where heavy snow “remains possible.”

Rankin said residents should take “all the normal precautions” to prepare for the cold weather.

“In case of power outages, just don’t bring your barbecue inside your house,” Rankin said. “Some of those things that we think are common knowledge, but sometimes people need to be reminded.”

Cold weather shelter information

Visit bit.ly/snocoshelters for a rundown of all the cold weather shelters in the area.

Everett

Family Cold Weather Shelter at 5126 S. Second Ave.

Doors open from 4 to 8 p.m.

Contact speterson@egmission.org for more information.

United Church of Christ at 2624 Rockefeller Ave.

Doors open from 8 to 10 p.m.

Call 425-977-9686 for more information.

Marysville

Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 7215 51st Ave. NE.

Doors open from 7 to 9:30 p.m.