5-7 inches of snow so far in the Olympia area, and more is on the way, forecaster says
Residents in the Olympia area can expect moderate amounts of snow the rest of the week as below freezing temperatures persist.
About 3-6 inches of snow fell in the area between Sunday and Monday mornings, said Jacob DeFlitch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. The added snowfall brings the total accumulation during this snow event to 5-7 inches, he said.
Thurston County has advised residents to remain at home if possible because of cold weather and difficult driving conditions. County road crews have been plowing priority roads but secondary roads will still have compact snow and ice.
“Road Crews are working around the clock. However, due to limited staffing levels, residents may be waiting longer for plows to reach secondary routes than previous storms,” an update from Thurston County Public Works says. “We continue to ask residents to stay home if possible.”
City of Olympia crews have also prioritized blowing lifeline roads which are used by firefighters, police and transit, according to a news release. However, property owners are responsible for clearing snow on sidewalks adjacent to their property.
“If you can, stay off the roads,” the release says. “If you need to travel, slow down and allow more stopping distance. You may also consider taking the bus.”
Crews have applied anti-icing agent to some areas, including hills and bridges to prevent snow and ice accumulation. Sand has also been applied to some roads to help improve traction, per the release.
State Troopers responded to 166 collisions in Pierce and Thurston counties on Sunday alone, according to Trooper Robert Reyer. He attributed most spin-out collisions to people driving too fast on snowy and icy roads.
Looking ahead, DeFlitch said residents can expect 1-2 inches of more snow starting tonight and into Tuesday. Wednesday will be mostly sunny and dry, he said, but moderate amounts of snow are likely Wednesday night into Thursday.
There will likely be some rain on Thursday as temperatures reach the upper 30s, he said, but snow will return as temperatures drop back down.
By Friday, the highest temperature expected is about 33 degrees, per the forecast. Low temperatures throughout the week will remain in the low to mid 20s.
“Cold air that was up in Canada has kind of filtered into the Pacific Northwest,” DeFlitch said. “That’s pretty much keeping this cold weather pattern across the area.”
Even with the amount of snowfall so far, DeFlitch said the accumulation has been comparable to previous years.
“I wouldn’t say it’s really unusual, it’s just wintertime and sometimes that can bring some mild to heavy snow events across the area,” DeFlitch said.
The chance for lowland snow may end by Sunday as a somewhat warmer Pacific frontal system is expected to arrive in the region, according to the NWS forecast.
However, the forecast warns cold air may remain “stubbornly entrenched.”
This story was originally published December 27, 2021 at 10:49 AM.
