A ‘veritable snow machine’ system on its way to Seattle

Seattle is bracing for what local weather expert Cliff Mass is saying could be one of the biggest snowstorms to hit the region in decades.

The snow is expected to start falling again on Friday afternoon and won’t stop until sometime on Saturday, with up to eight inches possible for the Puget Sound and over a foot on the northern side of the Olympics, Mass writes in his blog.

“What is forecast to occur late Friday and this weekend is absolutely classic,” Mass writes, explaining that cold air funneling into the region from British Columbia’s Fraser River Valley will create ideal conditions for a major snow event.

“The reason why this is the ‘perfect’ snowstorm situation is that the low center draws cold air into western WA from BC (a lot of it through the Fraser River Valley), while pushing moist air overhead. A veritable snow machine.”

But wait — there’s more.

Monday, Mass says another front is expected that could double the snowfall in some places. “We are talking over a foot of snow in central Puget Sound.” Although, as it’s still a few days out, that could change.

With slightly warmer temperatures today (40 degrees is the predicted high), it’s a good idea to stock up on groceries before the snow begins.