Seattle Braces for Snowstorm, Schools Close

Heavy snow expected to hit the region, prompting school and business closures.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 12:55am

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The Seattle area is preparing for a major winter storm that is expected to bring heavy snowfall to the region on Monday. Local authorities have issued weather warnings and advisories, and many schools and businesses have announced closures in anticipation of the storm.

Why it matters

Seattle is not known for frequent heavy snowfall, so a major winter storm can cause significant disruptions to daily life and commerce. The city's infrastructure and transportation systems are not always equipped to handle large amounts of snow, making the storm a potential public safety concern.

The details

Forecasters are predicting up to 8 inches of snow to fall in the Seattle metro area, with the heaviest accumulations expected during the day on Monday. The storm is expected to bring strong winds and low visibility, making travel conditions treacherous. Many schools, including Seattle Public Schools, have announced they will be closed on Monday, and several businesses have also said they will shut down for the day.

  • The storm is expected to hit the Seattle area on Monday, February 2nd.
  • The heaviest snowfall is predicted to occur during the daytime hours on Monday.

The players

Seattle Public Schools

The largest school district in the state of Washington, serving over 50,000 students in the Seattle metropolitan area.

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We're urging all residents to stay off the roads if possible and to only venture out if absolutely necessary.”

— Jenny Durkan, Mayor of Seattle (Seattle Times)

“This storm has the potential to be one of the biggest snowfall events we've seen in Seattle in the last several years.”

— Meteorologist (KOMO News)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updated forecasts and warnings throughout the day on Monday. Seattle officials have said they will assess road conditions and make decisions about any additional closures or emergency measures as needed.

The takeaway

The impending snowstorm serves as a reminder that even cities like Seattle, which don't typically experience heavy winter weather, can be caught off guard by severe storms. Proper preparation and caution from both local authorities and residents will be crucial in minimizing the disruptions and risks posed by this winter event.