SEATTLE– As new weather forecasts suggest a strong possibility of snow in Seattle in the coming days, the City of Seattle began its preparations for winter weather. According to the National Weather Service, a storm is expected to arrive around 5:00 AM Saturday morning, starting with rain and transitioning to a rain/snow mix, including lowland snow showers. Another round of systems is expected between Monday and Thursday, with the potential of significant snowfall in lowlands.
“With forecasts predicting a chance of snow, it is important for the public to prepare for winter weather,” said Mayor Mike McGinn.
Some good steps to take to prepare your home for winter weather include:
- Gather any supplies (from around the house or at the store) before the cold and snow arrives.
- Prevent frozen pipes – when the weather is very cold outside, open the cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.
- Avoid using a stove or oven to heat your home. This reduces the risk of fire.
- Be sure to have a radio to hear the latest weather information.
- Keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice to protect pedestrian safety.
- Visit www.takewinterbystorm.org to see a complete list of steps to get ready for winter weather.
The City of Seattle has been working with Cliff Mass and the University of Washington on SnowWatch, a new weather tool that tracks and forecasts snowfall at the neighborhood level. SnowWatch can help the public track storms, learn where snow is falling, and make informed choices. SnowWatch is available at: http://www.atmos.washington.edu/SNOWWATCH/.
In the event of snow it is best to avoid driving if possible. If you must drive, have a full tank of gas and basic supplies like water, blanket and light source. It’s also a good idea to check road conditions before you go. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) winter weather page at http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/winterweather.htm will have updates on road conditions and snow plows’ work as well as photos from traffic cameras.