Wind and rain ease up, more snow in the mountains

SEATTLE -- Forecasters expect the stretch of windy, rainy weather sweeping through Western Washington to ease up Friday, but anticipate a lot more snow in the mountains.

The National Weather Service forecasts 6-to-10 inches of new snow by Saturday in the Cascades, as cold air drops the snow level below the mountain passes.

Snow levels in the mountains were around 4,000 feet Friday morning, but will quickly drop to 2,000 feet by Friday afternoon with 6-12" of additional snow possible by Saturday morning.

"A cold front is moving through Western Washington this morning, giving us another round of steady rain (in the lowlands); however, it should turn to off and on showers after 7 to 8:00 a.m., " said KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott.

Marriott said spots around Western Washington will be breezy Friday morning, but those winds are decreasing. By the afternoon, we'll see showers but also some sunbreaks with a chance of an isolated thundershowers.

"Another storm will spread increasing rain and wind back over Western Washington Saturday, but it won't be as strong as the systems we have had this week," said Marriott. "Things are going to be less windy and not as wet for the weekend."

Sunday will see high pressure moving through for decreasing showers and some sunshine, especially in Saturday afternoon.

"A weaker storm will move in on Monday for another round of rain followed by showers and sunbreaks on Tuesday," said Marriott. Forecasters expect longer breaks between passing storm fronts that will be weaker with less precipitation.

Marriott says we'll get brushed by a couple of storms Wednesday and Thursday for a little rain for the Thanksgiving holiday. We might even see a little sunshine again by the end of next week. 

Traction tires are advised and oversized vehicles are prohibited for Stevens Pass, the Mount Baker Highway and White Pass.