Video: Heavy snowfall on I-5 in Everett

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SEATTLE – The spring snow that took Puget Sound residents by surprise Friday is continuing this weekend.

Heavy snow began falling in Everett and reports went down the eastside and down as far south as Renton by around 8:30 p.m. Washington State Department of Transportation cameras showed cars moving slowly on Interstate 5 near Everett Mall, where at least two inches were reported by mid-evening.

Earlier in the day Saturday, wet snow had sprinkled over Marysville, Issaquah and parts of the Skagit Valley, and a couple of inches were reported in Stanwood, Arlington and Granite Falls.

The Puget Sound convergence zone, in North King County and South Snohomish County, is the hot spot for snow, according to NWCN Meteorologist Nick Allard. Up to 3 inches could also fall in areas above 300 or 500 feet.

At best, temperatures are only expected to hit the lower 40s for the day.

Friday's snow came as Seattle students started spring break. It dusted cherry blossoms in Queen Anne and slathered Magnolia. Parts of the Hood Canal got more than 5 inches.

Snow plows were all over Western Washington overnight. On I-90 near North Bend, several cars spun out and at least one semi jack-knifed. Other truckers were told to chain up if they wanted to get over Snoqualmie Pass.

Frustration was evident among drivers.

"It's supposed to be spring, but it's snowing so obviously it's not spring right now," said Brook Henry, of Maple Valley.

"It's exhausting, stressful other than that just another day in Washington," said Maple Valley resident Randy Roberts.

On Satuday, a few more inches is expected in mountain passes. Drivers are advised to be prepared for winter travel.

Overnight, Puget Sound will see more wet showers and snow, Allard said.

"It should be cold enough for moisture to give us some showers, probably some snow showers mixed in there as well," he said.

KING

A KING 5 viewer sent in this photo of Bailey the puppy enjoying Saturday morning snow in Stanwood, Washington.

On Sunday, the region should start drying out. Showers will begin to clear and sunshine will start moving in.

Oregon

More snow was predicted for elevations as low as downtown Portland, Ore. through late Saturday morning and then it will likely all turn to rain.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday's snow was the latest snowfall on record at the Portland International Airport. Back in 1951, a light skiff of snow fell on March 10th and that same year, on March 8, about an inch of snow fell.

Portland transportation crews have been applying de-icing chemicals in the hills to keep roads as safe as possible. Crews said they will monitor conditions around the city over the weekend and respond accordingly.

The National Weather Service also issued a snow advisory for both the Coast Range and the Cascades

KING

A KING 5 viewer submitted this photo of tulips covered in snow in Graham, Wash.

The Oregon Coast was also hit by heavy snowfall Friday, creating some dangerous driving conditions. Snow and downed trees were causing hazards on U.S. 101 between mileposts 100 – 104, north of Lincoln City, so officials closed that stretch of roadway.

They also closed Oregon 18 at milepost 21 and delays due to icy conditions were also being reported from milepost 7 to 18 as well as on U.S. 26 between mileposts 11 and 21.

"Crews will continue to plow and sand, however persisting precipitation is hindering the road clearing efforts. Major highways from the Willamette Valley to the coast require drivers to carry chains at this time. If travel cannot be delayed or avoided, please carry chains or use traction tires," a press release warned.