Well, the storm advertised for the past couple days is moving through Western Washington. Most of Puget Sound Energy’s power outages seem to be occurring in South King County this morning.
We’ll keep an eye on things today and post any major updates/issues with Snoqualmie Valley weather here. You can also check weather radars and temperatures for your specific locations HERE.
So far today, December 17th:
Overnight: North Bend Elementary picked up a 62mph wind gust and Mount Si High School picked up a 53mph gust. Schools are fine and open on time – no announcements from SVSD.
5:30AM: NOAA upgraded the Wind Advisory to a High Wind Warning through 12PM today, December 17th. There’s also a Winter Storm Watch in place because temperatures are predicted to drop when the winds die down this afternoon. A Puget Sound Convergence Zone is predicted to form. If it makes it far enough southeast (the have NOT said it will) it could affect the Snoqualmie Valley with fast accumulations. Just be aware snow is a possibility overnight as the snow level drops to 200 feet.
6:30AM: A Blizzard Warning still in effect for Snoqualmie Pass. If you got a blizzard alert on your phone, know it is for the mountains, not the Snoqualmie Valley. Chains are required on I-90 to cross the pass. There’s high winds, heavy snow with compact snow and ice on the roads. The conditions are bad so be very careful if you have to drive over.
6:45AM: Power is reported to be out in Ernie’s Grove
6:50AM: Komo Weather Department says Seattle is at the peak of the winds, which means Snoqualmie Valley should be experiencing the peak in the next hour at the storm moves eastward. Forecasters say winds will begin decreasing over the morning hours – at least in the Seattle area.
8AM: Power back on in Ernie’s Grove. There were earlier reports of a downed tree on I-90 near Preston blocking a couple lanes. That is NOT an issue any longer.