Snow Update: 1-2 Inches Monday, 'Potent Storm' May Bring More Tuesday

Update, 11 p.m. Sunday:

The National Weather Service revised its forecast for Mercer Island and the Puget Sound Lowlands and is now predicting up to 5 inches could fall Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

According to a new Special Weather Bulletin released 10:32 p.m. Sunday, forecasters predict heavy snow showers will develop Monday afternoon and continue on Tuesday with 1-3 inches in new snowfall. This will be followed by a "potent Pacific Storm" that will arrive Tuesday night with the potential to deliver 6-9 inches of new snowfall on Mercer Island before it changes over to rain on Wednesday — although they are still uncertain how much snow will fall and when exactly it will turn to rainfall.

Forecasters warn the Tuesday-night storm could down power lines and create hazardous driving conditions, and advise residents to frequently check the National Weather Service website for the latest updates and advisories.

Original Story:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Adivsory for Mercer Island and the surrounding Puget Sound Lowlands, warning of snow accumulations of up to 3 inches until 10 p.m. tonight.

Snow showers are forecast for later this evening and are likely on Monday after 10 a.m., according to a National Weather Service forcast. It also warned of freezing temperatures this evening that may cause ice to form on untreated roads over the next several days.

In a special weather statement, forecasters said snow accumulations will be hit and miss for the next couple of days, culminating in a major snow storm on Wednesday.

According to the forecast, there is a 60 percent chance of snow Sunday night increasing to a 90 percent chance of snow by Monday night, 80 percent Tuesday and 100 percent on Wednesday, the weather service reported. As much as 5 inches could fall Wednesday.

A Winter Weather Advisory for the area is issued when accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected in a 12-hour period.

Low temperatures through Tuesday are expected to dip to 29 degrees, which is below freezing, the weather service stated. Highs are expected in the mid to upper 30s.

Be Prepared

In the event of snow and ice on Mercer Island roads this winter, the city's  is ready with an updated plan for sanding, plowing, and de-icing public streets that allows traffic to enter and leave the Island safely, according to the city.

The city's top priority is clearing primary routes that access I-90, schools and the Town Center. This includes arterials such as Island Crest Way, Gallagher Hill Road, East Mercer Way, West Mercer Way, North Mercer Way, Mercerwood Drive, SE 40th Street, SE 68th Street, 70th Ave SE, and 72nd Ave SE.

The city does not have the personnel or equipment to clear residential neighborhoods until the main arterials are clear and passable.

Additional safety tips are available on the City website. The city reminds Islanders to check the Washington Department of Transportation website for additional road condition updates.

Family

• Listen to weather forecasts regularly and heed any warnings.
• Make sure everyone knows when and how to call 9-1-1.
• Make sure you understand the emergency plans and expectations at your child's school and your work.
• Check your emergency supplies and restock outdated items. Be sure to include plenty of water and non-perishable food, first aid supplies, a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both. A checklist can be found atwww.TakeWinterByStorm.org.
• If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
• Identify an out-of-state contact to call during a major disaster or emergency; it will be easier to call out of the area if local lines are tied up.
• Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older people are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.
• Monitor the weather forecast and adjust your travel plans if necessary. Know the snow routing for school buses and public transit.
• Check on neighbors, especially anyone who might need help.
• Subscribe to free regional alerts and news bulletins at www.rpin.org.

Home

• Be sure you have sufficient heating fuel for emergency equipment in case the electricity is cut off (such as a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove).
• Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Test the batteries each month, and replace them twice a year.
• Take steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator indoors, in garages, or in carports. Never use a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable propane heater to cook indoors or heat your home. Avoid combustion "space heaters" unless there is an exhaust vent.
• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
• Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
• Learn more tips for preparing your home at www.TakeWinterByStorm.org.

Vehicle

• Make sure your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained. Ensure the electrical systems, brakes, batteries, lights, windshield wipers, antifreeze and heating and cooling systems are in good shape. Check fluid levels – antifreeze, windshield washer, and oil.
• Keep tires properly inflated and make sure they have adequate tread. Replace any worn tires.
• Build, or restock, a vehicle emergency kit, including flares, flashlight, extra batteries, ice scraper, tire chains, a blanket and warm clothing, sturdy shoes, first-aid supplies, water, and non-perishable food. You can find a detailed list atwww.TakeWinterByStorm.org.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full; the extra gas helps reduce condensation that can plug your fuel line with ice and stall your engine in cooler weather. It also helps you avoid running out of gas if you experience long traffic delays.
• When driving in snow, stick to major arterials. Register for road alerts atwww.kingcounty.gov/roadalert and transit alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/transit.

Did you get any snow? Did you take any photos? Post them to our Patch neighborhood photo gallery.