Significant Snow Event Possible Starting Thursday

It now appears increasingly likely that a significant snow event will occur starting Thursday morning. 

This event will likely bring 2-6 inches of snow from Seattle southward, with the most snow from South Seattle to Centralia.

A Winter Storm Watch (text below) has been issued for the blue shaded areas. 

Let's dive in to the data.

I want to stress that since last night, the GFS model has come into agreement with the Euro model on a snowstorm. This is a change from last night when the GFS wasn't forecasting much snow. Agreement among forecast models = better likelihood of event happening.

Below is the Euro model showing snow through 10 PM Thursday.

Image from Cliff Mass Weather Blog and WeatherBell.

This prediction gives approximately 4 inches of snow from SeaTac southward.

Keeping with the Euro model, here is its total snow by 10 PM Friday.

Image from Cliff Mass Weather Blog and WeatherBell.

Wow! If this prediction verifies, 8-14 inches of snow will have fallen. Remember that while 8-14 inches of snow will fall, less of that will accumulate (due to settling, melting, etc.).

Remember that this is just one forecast. A forecast isn't complete until we see multiple solutions.

To show a different forecast, below is a graphic from NWS Seattle, showing expected snow through 10 AM Friday.

The NWS forecast shows 2-6 inches of snow in the South Sound, including Puyallup.

Bottom Line: I would expect anywhere from 4-14 inches of snow in the South/Central Sound by Friday night. 

The question now is not if or when it will snow, but instead how much will it snow.

Here's a good way to visualize the Puyallup/Tacoma area snowfall:

Least Possible: 1-2 inches

Most Likely: 2-6 inches

Highest Possible: 10-14 inches

As if this isn't enough, another potentially larger and more widespread snow event is possible on Saturday.

Some forecasts have indicated Saturday being a major event, with large totals and big impacts. However, it is simply too early to tell what will happen on Saturday and beyond (so stay tuned).

Below is a great graphic from NWS Seattle showing what to expect for this upcoming winter weather event.

Wednesday morning temperatures will be 26-32 degrees. Just a preview of the potential 17-25 degree lows for Thursday-Saturday.

Additionally, cold wind chills, winds out of the Cascade gaps, and very cold temperatures Thursday-Sunday are all in the cards. Snow is NOT our only talking point in this event.

It is best to stay tuned as details will likely fluctuate. As a reminder, I will have daily updates as long as this event continues.