Snow slams the Northwest again
Even Hawaii gets snow as large weather system pummels the region
SEATTLE — Schools closed across Washington state and the state Legislature canceled all hearings Monday with snowstorms pummeling the Northwest again as a larger weather system wreaked havoc in the region and even brought snow to Hawaii.
The Seattle area had already been hit by three snowstorms this month, and the National Weather Service reports that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has received 14.1 inches of snow in February, more than twice the annual average and the snowiest month in more than 30 years.
The storm that hit Seattle on Sunday dumped up to 4 inches of snow, and forecasters said more snow or rain was expected Monday and today as a lingering jet stream drives arctic air into the normally temperate region, and part of a larger cycle that has also driven snow as far away as Hawaii.
In Seattle, the snow’s effects were amplified by a prolonged stretch of cold temperatures.
In the state capital of Olympia, lawmakers canceled meetings and the University of Washington in Seattle and Washington State University in Pullman called off classes.
And as far away as Northern California, Humboldt County beaches that have not had snow in more than 15 years received a dusting and blizzard conditions caused whiteouts on mountain roads.
Joe Zagrodnik, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Washington, said the larger system at work — namely the position of a cold jet stream — was also driving higher temperatures in Alaska and unusual weather in Hawaii.
With a north-south ridge of high pressure situated off the coast of Washington and Canada, Zagrodnik said, cold air being drawn southward inland is being replaced by warm air moving north offshore, driving temperatures up in parts of Alaska even as Seattle freezes.
And a chunk of cold, low-pressure air separated from the main flow is also drifting further west. Known as a Kona Low, the system caused unusual snow on the island of Maui.
Hawaii officials said the blanket of snow at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is likely the first for any state park. Polipoli is at 6,200 feet and is possibly the lowest elevation snow ever recorded in the state.
When Lance Endo’s friend camping at a state park on Maui texted him early Sunday that there was snow he jumped in his truck and drove more than hour to see it. “I just wanted to go play in the snow,” Endo said.