SEATTLE - Some areas of Western Washington saw some snow showers Saturday morning and more snow showers could develop in the convergence zone north of Seattle overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.
Blaine, Lynden and Bellingham could get an inch or two overnight Saturday and in the convergence zone, up to four inches is possible early Sunday.
Monroe, Duvall and Woodinville had a couple of inches of snow on the ground Saturday morning. Storm totals in the mountains were generally 2-3 feet, and another 4-8 inches were expected Saturday night.
Strong winds buffeted the coast and the Strait Saturday morning. Sustained winds at Westport reached 55 mph, with gusts to 66, and Hoquiam recorded gusts to 61 mph. Latest forecast
Showers are expected to stick around through Sunday, thanks to a trough of low pressure that will bring moisture and cold air. The result will be a mix of rain and wet snow showers on higher inland hills, with strong winds.
A winter weather advisory was issued from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday for the north Cascades.
The region is expected to dry out by Monday, but the cool air mass will allow temperatures to fall well below freezing. Wet and snow-covered roads could easily freeze, creating an icy morning commute.
Partly to mostly sunny skies are expected on Monday but temperatures are only likely to reach the low to mid 40s by the afternoon. Check Futurecast
The next weather system is expected to roll into Western Washington on Tuesday, bringing more rain to the area. More cool air will make its way in on Wednesday, possibly dropping snow levels back down to 500-1,000 feet.
Highs are expected to stay in the mid 40s throughout the week.
In related news, Gov. Chris Gregoire has asked President Barack Obama to declare a federal disaster area in 11 Washington counties for damages and costs suffered during January's snowstorm. Last month's storm of snow, ice and freezing rain caused power outages, landslides, avalanches and fallen trees across Washington, creating $32.3 million in potential eligible damages, according to preliminary state and federal assessments.
Gregoire's request seeks federal disaster aid for public facility damage in 11 counties: Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum.
If the declaration is approved, Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance grants would defray 75 percent of eligible disaster-related costs. This would cover repairs, property replacement, debris removal and emergency protective measures.
Gregoire proclaimed a state emergency on Jan. 18 because of the winter storm conditions.
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