SEATTLE, Washington (Isabelle Zehnder reporting) -- Seattle may see it's largest snowfall since the 1940s this week with two back-to-back storms hitting the area Monday and expected to continue through Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service twin winter storms are moving over the Pacific Northwest. It is expected that between five and 10 inches of snow could hit the Seattle-Tacoma area Wednesday, CNN reports.
Cold air moving south from Canada and precipitation moving in from the south are creating the heavy snowfall.
CNN Meteorologist Taylor Ward said that high-wind warnings were in effect along the coast where winds could reach hurricane force, knocking down trees and causing power outages.
It was reported that mountainous areas of the Pacific Northwest will see even more snow. Significant snowfall is expected across southern Washington, northwest Oregon, and into western Idaho. Portland may see about three inches, according to Ward.
Seattle meteorologist Dustin Guy said that from late Tuesday through early Thursday 2 to 3.5 feet of snow is forecast for the mountains east of Seattle. Mount Rainier could see 10 feet of snow by Friday.
The first storm moved in on Monday and Tuesday and will be followed by a second, stronger storm forecast to hit Wednesday into Thursday.
“It’s pretty big when you get back-to-back storms like that,” weather service meteorologist Roger Cloutier said.
The weather service warned that travelers should expect difficulties to develop on Wednesday and advised those who must take to the roads during the storm to carry a flashlight, blankets, and extra food and water. Sleeping bags are an alternative to blankets.
Cloutier warned that when the snow melts it’s almost guaranteed there will be some flooding.
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