Winter Ice Storm Warning Issued for Winchester, Virginia, Western Washington state: Prepare Now

News / 03/04/2025

A winter weather advisory was issued for much of Western Washington state over the weekend, bringing snow, slick roads, and the potential for icy conditions. Reports from affected areas.

Snowfall Across the Region

Snow showers and biting cold temperatures were reported throughout the region, including downtown Seattle. Snow plows were deployed to clear roads in areas where accumulation was significant, such as Renton.

Q: Which areas received the most snowfall?

A: The East Puget Sound lowlands, including East King County, the Sammamish Plateau, Pierce County, and Snohomish County.

Power Outages and Emergency Services

Several areas experienced power outages due to the heavy snow and ice accumulation on power lines. Emergency services were on high alert to respond to any incidents caused by the severe weather.

Q: How many households were affected by power outages?

A: Approximately 15,000 households were reported to be without power at the peak of the storm.

School Closures and Delays

Many schools in the affected areas announced closures or delays to ensure the safety of students and staff. Parents were advised to check local news outlets for updates on school schedules.

Q: Which school districts were closed due to the storm?

A: School districts in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma were among those that announced closures.

Preparation Tips for Residents

Residents were urged to prepare for the storm by stocking up on essential supplies, such as food, water, and medications. It was also recommended to have an emergency kit ready in case of power outages.

Q: What items should be included in an emergency kit?

A: An emergency kit should include non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications.

Q: How much snow did these areas receive?

A: These areas saw accumulations of a trace to three to four inches of snow.

Viewers shared videos and images of the snowfall, showcasing varying conditions across the region, from snowflakes to chunky snow.

Q: Were there any unusual weather phenomena reported?

A: Yes, thundersnow (lightning during snowfall) was observed around Birch Bay and Lummi Island.

A winter weather advisory was put in place, warning residents of the potential for another one to four inches of new snow over the next 48 hours.

Traffic and Road Conditions

Due to the snowfall and the potential for icy conditions, drivers were urged to exercise caution and prepare for their Monday morning commute.

Q: What precautions should drivers take?

A: Drivers should reduce speeds, increase following distance, and be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses.

SDOT crews worked around the clock to monitor conditions, pre-treat roads with salt and de-icer, and look for trouble spots. Road closures were implemented in some areas for safety.

Q: Which roadways are most at risk of icy conditions?

A: Wet roadways and areas with steep hills, particularly those close to the Canadian border, are most susceptible to icy conditions during freezing temperatures.

Traffic cameras showed heavy traffic in some areas, with some drivers reportedly going too fast for the conditions.

Hourly Forecast

The hourly forecast for Seattle predicted continued snow showers, with temperatures dropping into the low 30s overnight. Slippery conditions were expected, particularly in areas where the snow had melted during the day and refroze overnight.

Looking Ahead

Residents were advised to prepare for the Thurseday morning commute by salting walkways around homes and businesses. Traction tires were advised for drivers, and oversized vehicles were prohibited on Snoqualmie Pass.

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