Snowfall a spring surprise
Friday, March 28, 2008
By JUSTIN CARINCI, Columbian Staff WriterWeatherwise, the first full week of spring wouldn’t seem out of place in the middle of winter. Cold air is expected to bring snow to low elevations today, the third day in a row for much of Clark County.
More snow could accumulate today than did on either Wednesday or Thursday.
According to a National Weather Service bulletin, offshore winds were likely to keep snow levels low Thursday night, much like what happens in midwinter.
Cold air will stick around today, with early snow or rain tapering off in the afternoon. Snow accumulation could reach 1 inch in spots.
Unlike typical winter weather, high temperatures in Clark County will reach 45 degrees, melting off accumulated snow in most areas.
According to the University of Washington Probability Forecast, Vancouver had a 55 to 60 percent chance of dipping below freezing Thursday night, with a 30 percent chance of precipitation. The chance of precipitation increases to 75 percent today.
The unusually late snows have convinced state transportation officials to extend by a few days the end of studded-tire season. The Washington State Department of Transportation has moved the deadline for removing the road-destroying tires from March 31 to April 5.
“We don’t anticipate extending the deadline past April 5,” said Chris Christopher, the department’s co-director for maintenance and operations.
After April 5, drivers caught using studded tires will face a $101 fine.
Portland’s transportation office issued a black ice alert through the weekend, warning drivers of possibly slippery roads, especially in the hills and areas that don’t get direct sunlight.
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