Morning snow, freezing rain expected around the Tri-Cities region

An estimated 1 to 3 inches of snow was possible for the Tri-Cities region overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

The fluffy flakes began falling on and off about 11:30 a.m. Sunday around the area. And rain and snow were expected to continue into the night, becoming all snow after 10 p.m., said the weather service.

A winter weather advisory was issued for the Lower Columbia Basin in Washington, the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Washington and in the Yakima Valley until 3 p.m. Monday.

Snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain and sleet was possible Monday morning before 10 a.m. The weather service warned drivers to plan on slippery road conditions, particularly on their morning commutes.

A mix of rain and snow was likely until 1 p.m., with daytime highs near 32.

Snow levels were predicted to rise to 1,600 feet in the afternoon, with little or no ice accumulation expected.

On Tuesday there’s a 30 percent chance of snow after 4 p.m., then a slight chance of rain between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. under mostly cloudy skies, said the weather service.

Partly sunny skies could return by Thursday.

This story was originally published December 19, 2021 at 1:14 PM.