Forecast calls for rare mid-March snow flurries

JIM CARLILE, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Friday, March 15, 2002

If you're sick of snow, beware the Ides of March.

Forecasters report that snow will fall in Western Washington late Friday and early Saturday.

"It's going to be hit or miss. Some areas will not get anything, and some will get surprisingly large amounts of snow," said Mike McFarland, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle.

"My best guess is, those living in the hills will see the most -- maybe 1 to 3 inches," McFarland said.

The snow level will fall to about 1,000 feet during the day Friday and to about 500 feet Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow showers are likely Saturday, with highs near 40 degrees.

After that, no snow is expected through at least Wednesday.

A mid-March snowfall is rare in South Sound.

"This kind of weather isn't common this time of year," said Bette Shultz, a coordinator with the Thurston County Department of Emergency Management.

"Obviously, snow events are unusual in March, but it has happened as late as April," McFarland said.

"That will only happen once every decade or so."

Frigid Canadian air is moving south, which is why snow and unseasonably cold conditions are predicted, McFarland.

On the Web:

- National Weather Service

- COMMUTE CAMERA: Dept. of Transportation

- Snow closure information: Closures or delays for public schools, private schools and colleges can be found at www.schoolreport.org

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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