Port Angeles and Sequim crews have been working overnight to keep clear major arterials first this snowy Wednesday morning.
Out of Port Angeles, snowfall reports range from 15 inches to 2 feet, according to Courtney Obergfell, National Weather Service meteorologist.
She said snow has been falling at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per hour for quite a period.
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The Sequim area received between 5.6 and 13.9 inches of snow and a 5.5-inch reading was recorded near Forks.
Snow covers the roadway at Sixth and D streets in Port Angeles on Wednesday morning. (Mark Swanson)
As far as road conditions this morning, per Clallam County Undersheriff Ron Cameron, it’s best to stay home if possible.
During this period of inclement weather, if you must drive, the National Weather Service encourages people try to use alternative routes to avoid hills or problem areas.
Cheryl Scartozzi, assistant project engineer with the state Department of Transportation, said the road maintenance office crew has been continuously plowing overnight on U.S. Highway 101 and adjacent roads, with 18 trucks out.
“We brought another four [trucks] in from an adjacent district,” Scartozzi said.
Roads have compact snow and ice, making for difficult driving conditions.
“If you have chains, you’ll probably be OK, but we would caution people to wait [to drive] at least until 9 a.m. to let us catch up to the snow,” she added.
The Port Angeles snow removal map can be found at https://arcg.is/0mDyrK. The Sequim snow removal map can be seen at tinyurl.com/PDN-sequimsnowremoval.
Snow covers trees near a home on Fairmount Avenue in Port Angeles. Snow levels there were at about 18 inches as of 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. (Laura Foster/Peninsula Daily News)
Matt Stewart, road maintenance superintendent with Jefferson County, said in an email that his crews were out all night, too. In areas of Brinnon and Coyle, there is an estimated 12 to 18 inches of snow accumulation, “with significant but lesser snowfall in Quilcene, Paradise Bay and other areas north.”
“We are continuing to run operations for the duration of the event with focus on primary roads and secondaries as accumulation rates allow,” Stewart said. “Non-priority roads can expect plowing after today’s forecasted additional round of snow or as resources allow.”
The Sequim Public Works crew, according to a press release, is working 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts to keep the city streets clear of snow.
The Public Works Department asks the community to help by please not parking on the street to allow more efficient plowing and to help clear snow from the sidewalks that adjoin their homes and businesses.
Contact the Public Works Department at 360-683-4908 with questions.
Snow accumulates on a truck in a driveway on Fairmount Avenue in Port Angeles. Snow levels there were at about 18 inches as of 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. (Laura Foster/Peninsula Daily News)
Garbage pick-up
Garbage and recycling pick-up is on restricted routes. Leave cans out, as they will be picked up as conditions improve.
Report potholes and icy intersections by calling 360-417-4543. If you reach a voicemail, please leave your information, messages will be monitored.
Roadway accidents
• Cleared: Tree down on 101 at milepost 212 near Cooper Ranch Road beginning at 7:37 a.m. until further notice. Traffic is reduced to a single lane.
• Cleared: A disabled trailer on Highway 101 eastbound at milepost 251 near Eunice Street is blocking the right lane until further notice.
Office/business closures
• The Port Angeles Social Security office is closed due to inclement weather today. Call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
• The Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course and Restaurants will be closed today and will re-open as conditions improve. 7 Cedars Casino and Restaurants will be opening at noon today, due to weather conditions and for the safety of staff and guests.
Forecast
This afternoon through Thursday morning, snow will move out of the area, but east/northeast winds will become strong, peaking during the late afternoon/early evening, decreasing overnight.
Highs above freezing tonight mean melted snow from today will turn to slick ice, so use caution on your drive/walk home from work (if you made it in this morning).
The next system will arrive Friday evening, bringing a chance of lowland snowfall, as well as strong east/northeast winds, according to the National Weather Service.
These winds might enhance snowfall totals across the Kitsap Peninsula, Hood Canal and eastern slopes of the Olympics.
Snow levels will hover between 0 and 1,000 feet during this time.
Snow is likely to be dense and wet, leading to an increased threat of tree damage and power outages.
A rapid warmup and rain are likely over the weekend.
This story will be updated as more information comes in to the Peninsula Daily News.