Ice Storm Warning Issued for Southern Part of Western Washington

An ice storm warning has replaced the National Weather Service's winter weather advisory for the southern part of Western Washington.

Hardest hit areas will be to the south, such as Hoquiam and Olympia, but Mercer Island and the Seattle area could also be affected. The Mercer Island forecast calls slowly rising temperatures and rain, but first freezing rain due to cold surface temperatures.

The warning is in effect until noon Thursday, when temperatures are expected to increase well above freezing.

“Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible,” according to the warning. “Commerce will likely be severely impacted.”

At 7 a.m. Thursday, the King County Road Services Division reported "very treacherous driving conditions this morning due to additional snow and freezing rain that has moved into the area."

Metro Transit remains on snow routes and is advising riders to expect significant delays.

The National Weather Service adds that power outages are likely. According to Puget Sound Energy — as of 9 a.m.— approximately 170 homes reported power outages in parts of Mercer Island.

Stay on top of the Winter Weather and snow at Mercer Island Patch by checking our Winter Weather topic page, found by clicking here.

Here is the pinpoint forecast for Mercer Island:

Today: Freezing rain likely before 10am, then a chance of rain between 10am and 4pm, then snow likely, possibly mixed with rain after 4pm. Snow level 500 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 38. North northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight: Rain and snow likely, becoming all rain after 10pm. Snow level 100 feet rising to 900 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 34. South southeast wind between 7 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday: Rain. High near 48. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night: Rain. Low around 41. South southeast wind between 11 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.