Tuesday afternoon/evening gave us a primer in frozen precipitation: we saw some big snowflakes, some little snowflakes, some graupel, and maybe a hint of hail. What might Wednesday have in store?
Mayor Mike McGinn’s office issued a snow statement:
(The) pattern is very similar to the snowstorm that hit Seattle during Thanksgiving week last year.
Because Wednesday afternoon’s commute is expected to be difficult, it may be a good day to work an alternate shift, telecommute or make other travel arrangements if possible.
Metro has warned bus riders to be ready for just about anything tomorrow, and to check Metro’s snow page before setting out.
Wednesday’s forecast could create challenges for all vehicles, especially if the snow begins to fall during the afternoon commute. Other areas, particularly in the Snohomish-King County convergence zone area, could see snow in the morning. Bus operations could change rapidly depending on traffic and travel conditions.
Even though weather in the morning may not be bad in your area, you should leave from a bus stop or park-and-ride that also has service when buses are on snow routes in case travel conditions deteriorate by the afternoon commute.
Also, give yourself extra time to reach your evening destination. Buses are often very crowded in the early part of the afternoon commute when everyone tries to get home before snowfall is the heaviest.
Be sure to read University of Washington atmospheric scientist Cliff Mass’s weather blog to stay up to date on the coming storm.
