Snow brings South Whidbey to a halt

Heavy snow kept many South Enders at home Thursday. With up to 4 inches falling in certain areas, Highway 525 was a sheet of ice as late as 8 a.m. and was virtually empty of vehicle traffic.

Minor roadways and neighborhood streets remain slick with packed snow from the combined weekend leftover ice and the new snowfall.

Island Transit operations manager Shawn Harris reported that, apart from Saratoga Road in Langley and Bush Point north of Freeland, all routes were running — even Scatchet Head.

"Of course, the routes are all going to be a little slower because of the weather," Harris said.

Transit drivers routinely contact dispatch to report any perceived unsafe conditions. They are directed to take an alternate route while supervisors hit the roads to check things out.

"The safety of passengers, drivers and buses is the key factor," Harris said.

Island County Assistant Engineer Randy Brackett said the county's plows and sanders are out in force, concentrating on main roads and intersections.

"The best thing is for people to stay off the roads, have some hot chocolate and enjoy the winter," he said.

The snow prompted the closure of all South Whidbey schools.

The Langley Chamber of Commerce meeting Thursday morning was also cancelled.

The National Weather Service reported a 30 percent chance of snow showers is expected for the balance of Thursday, with a high near 34 degrees.

Thursday night, there will be a 20 percent chance of snow showers, with a low around 21 degrees. Clearing is expected on Friday and Saturday, but another storm is coming late Saturday or early Sunday.

Heavy snow finally forced South Enders to postpone unneeded trips Thursday. With up to 4 inches falling in certain areas, Highway 525 was a sheet of ice as late as 8 a.m. and was virtually empty of vehicle traffic.

Minor roadways and neighborhood streets remain slick with packed snow from the combined weekend leftover ice and the new snowfall.

Island Transit operations manager Shawn Harris reported that, apart from Saratoga Road in Langley and Bush Point north of Freeland, all routes were running — even Scatchet Head.

"Of course, the routes are all going to be a little slower because of the weather," Harris said.

Transit drivers routinely contact dispatch to report any perceived unsafe conditions. They are directed to take an alternate route while supervisors hit the roads to check things out.

"The safety of passengers, drivers and buses is the key factor," Harris said.

Island County Assistant Engineer Bill Oakes said the county's plows and sanders are out in force, concentrating on main roads and intersections.

"The best thing is for people to stay off the roads, have some hot chocolate and enjoy the winter," he said.

The snow prompted the closure of all South Whidbey schools.

The Langley Chamber of Commerce meeting Thursday morning was also cancelled.

The National Weather Service reported a 30 percent chance of snow showers is expected for the balance of Thursday, with a high near 34 degrees.

Thursday night, there will be a 20 percent chance of snow showers, with a low around 21 degrees. Clearing is expected on Friday and Saturday, but another storm is coming late Saturday or early Sunday.

Contact South Whidbey Record Reporter Jeff VanDerford at jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com or (360) 221-5300.

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