Washington snow closes schools, cuts power
SEATTLE (AP) – After weeks of watching Portland deal with snow and ice, Seattle finally got its dose of winter weather.
The storm has left snow totals of an inch to more than a foot across western Washington, causing widespread school closures Monday.
About 100,000 customers remained without power Monday afternoon. Puget Sound Energy reported about 86,000 customers without electricity and Seattle City Light listed about 10,000.
More than 100 school districts canceled classes and dozens of flights were canceled at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after snow and ice blanketed the Puget Sound area. A winter storm watch was in effect through Monday afternoon.
The morning commute was a messy one in Seattle, but road crews worked through the night to get ahead of the storm.
Meanwhile, the Cascade Mountains could see 30 inches of snow through Monday afternoon. People were advised to only travel over Snoqualmie and White passes in an emergency.
In Portland, forecasts calling for a major snowstorm proved incorrect as temperatures stayed above freezing. Rain pummeled the region, pushing some rivers toward flood stage.
