**Update: 12/19/12, 11AM: Snoqualmie Parkway is now reopened and City of Snoqualmie snow plows are working to clear city streets of slushy, messy snow.**
Heavy, blowing snow started in the Snoqualmie area around 7AM today. Snow began quickly accumulating on Snoqulamie and North Bend roadways. Many residents described the conditions as “blizzard-like.”
Snoqualmie Valley Schools started on time, with the wintry conditions occurring right as SVSD buses left the bus barn for morning pick ups.
Readers reported a Cascade View Elementary bus could not make it to the Eagle Lake neighborhoods on Snoqualmie Ridge when police closed a hilly, snow-covered section of roadway leading to the area. Parents were advised to wait until the snow turned to rain and then transport their children to school.
Another bus that services the Wilderness Rim area of North Bend became stuck in the snow as well. Readers report the bus was just stuck, it was not an accident or slipped into a ditch situation. The bus eventually made it to school.
Snoqulamie Parkway from Highway 202 to Douglas Ave was closed by police around 9AM due to a semi truck becoming stuck on the slippery, snow-covered road. Other cars were also reported stuck on Snoqualmie Parkway. City officials say it will reopen shortly.
I-90 between Snoqualmie and North Bend is slow-going due to the winter weather conditions. However, if you are heading toward Seattle from the Valley, once you hit I-90 exit 25, the winter driving conditions change to rain and just wet pavement.
The National Weather Service says snow should begin turning to rain for affected areas about 10AM, but says higher hilltop areas away from the water could hold onto the snow longer. They say more accumulation shouldn’t occur after 10AM.
This story will be updated needed so check back. If you must drive the area between Snoqualmie and North Bend, please be careful and go slow.
