December 12, 2008
Latest Info: 24/7 on Q13 FOX First Forecast Channel (Comcast channel 116, digital channel 13-2)
The National Weather Service has canceled a
winter storm warning for the central Puget Sound region including
Seattle.
Forecasters say the storm blowing into the state Friday is
tracking farther north and there is no longer a threat of
widespread disruptive snow.
Only an inch or two of slushy snow is possible Friday night on
hills in the Puget Sound lowlands.
Forecasters also canceled a winter storm warning in the Port
Angeles area and a storm watch in the southwest interior.
Forecasters still expect 1 to 3 inches of snow by Saturday
morning in the northwest interior.
With the winter storm bearing down on Washington, the Transportation Department has closed Cayuse and Chinook passes and the North Cascades Highway.
Crews will evaluate the highways after weekend snow to decide whether they'll remain closed for the winter.
Heavy snow is forecast for all mountain passes Friday night and Saturday so drivers should be prepared.
The National Weather Service says below freezing temperatures will last until the middle of next week, so residents should take steps to protect pets and plants and to prevent pipes from freezing.
The following is a special weather statement from the National Weather Service on the storm moving into western Washington today and this weekend: