WeatherWatcher: Ice storm warning but Shoreline getting snow

Winter Storm Warning and an Ice Storm Warning has been issued.

National Weather Service issued the winter storm warning for Everett, but it is affecting Shoreline as well. Ice storm warning has been issued for Seattle. Shoreline and Lake Forest Park is in between, but it appears we are getting the snow, not the ice. 

So here's what I think is likely to happen.

• 2-4 inches of new snow today, ending at about 2-3pm.
• There may be a mix of freezing rain at times, but currently with temperatures at 25°F it is unlikely unless the precipitation becomes light.
• There is a possibility of more power outages IF more ice accumulates on trees.
• In the event that this turns into an ice storm, avoid driving at all costs. The roads will turn into solid ice, and trees and power lines will pose a great hazard as well. It is best to stay inside. If you go outside, stay away from trees and power lines as the ice accumulation can take a power line down without influence from trees, as it is very heavy by itself.

Bottom line:

• Ice storm isn't likely here today as this will taper off around 2pm.
• Additional snow of 2-4 inches likely. I haven't taken a measurement yet but it looks as if we already received 2 new inches of snow. So in this case I will call this a Winter Storm Warning in effect until 2 PM January 19, 2012.

Carl's Shoreline Weather Station