Western Washington hit with more snow, power outages

PORT ANGELES, Wash. (AP) — Another winter storm brought more snow to Western Washington through Wednesday morning, dropping more than a foot of snow on parts of the Olympic Peninsula.

The Seattle metro area didn't see much new snow but many schools, including those in Seattle, remain delayed or closed because of lingering snow and ice.

Reports from Port Angeles ranged up to 20 inches of snow. North of Seattle, Mount Vernon tallied 8 inches of snow while Anacortes recorded 12.

Scattered power outages were reported, with over 10,000 people without power early Wednesday, including about 6,200 customers with Puget Sound Energy and 3,600 with Snohomish Public Utility District. By Wednesday afternoon just over 4,300 customers remained without power between the two agencies.

Some of those customers live in areas along U.S. Highway 2 near Stevens Pass, where downed trees and power lines have largely closed the highway for days.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday afternoon on Twitter that the state Emergency Management Division was bringing food, water and fuel to that area between Gold Bar and Skykomish and that they were also offering voluntary evacuations for those who wish to leave.

Patience was wearing thin for some residents in those areas Tuesday night, KING-TV reported.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 10," said Baring resident Charlie Preston. “It's hell.”

Inslee said he was closely following the situation and that he and his staff had talked with mayors and other local leaders there.

“We will work to provide whatever these communities need. The safety of Washingtonians in this region is paramount,” he tweeted.

The King County Sheriff's Office tweeted Wednesday that Baring residents needing immediate services should call the Skykomish Fire Station.

Winter weather advisories were also in effect for parts of western Oregon through Wednesday evening, with many schools delayed because of concerns about icy roads.