Arctic Blast Brings Snow, Bitter Cold

Another inch or two of snow is expected in the lowlands of Western Washington Sunday morning, forecasters said, as an arctic blast of cold brings some of the chilliest temperatures to the region in nearly 20 years.

Snow fell over a widespread area during the night.

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But it is the cold weather -- the worst since a six-day cold spell in December 1990 -- that has triggered the most severe warnings.

KIRO 7 Chief Meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson warned the cold snap could last two weeks, much longer than the six-day spell in 1990 that burst pipes in homes all over the Northwest.

Forecasters said the combination of temperatures dipping into the teens and strong winds could create temperatures near zero degrees, enough to cause frostbite to skin exposed for only 15 minutes. It could also burst pipes and endanger pets left outdoors.

In Eastern Washington, high temperatures may struggle to reach 10 above zero.

Heavy snow is forecast for all mountain passes. The state temporarily closed Cayuse and Chinook passes near Mount Rainier and the North Cascades Highway. Crews will decide after the weekend whether they'll remain closed for the winter.

VIDEO: Snow Piling Up At Mountain Passes

A storm on Friday brought mountain snow and strong winds to Western Washington, knocking out power and disrupting ferry service.

VIDEO: Powerful Winds Tear Through South Sound VIDEO: Rain Turned To Snow In North Sound

High winds knocked trees and limbs into power lines, cutting electricity to thousands of customers, utilities said. Get more details.

The weather service said a wind gust of 95 mph was recorded on Destruction Island off the north Washington coast between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The Quillayute State Airport recorded a gust of 69 mph. Sustained wind of 40 mph was reported at the Keystone ferry terminal on Whidbey Island.