Fresh snow hits northwest Washington

Snowy weather has returned to parts of Western Washington, with areas of Whatcom County experiencing significant snowfall and plows hitting the streets.

The National Weather Service in Seattle reported that 6 inches of snow fell in Ferndale by Wednesday night, with 2-4 inches reported in other areas of western Whatcom County and some reports of 2 inches of snow in western Skagit County.

Whatcom County spokesman Joe Bates says snowplows and sanders are hitting main roads first. He says some crews reported whiteout conditions and dozens of traffic accidents are being reported.

Meteorologist Kirby Cook says snow accumulations in other areas of the Western Washington lowlands are expected to total an inch or less into Thursday.

Cook says 2-6 inches of fresh snow are expected through early Thursday on the west slopes of the north and central Cascade Mountains.

The state Transportation Department says its crews are preparing for a major snowfall overnight on Snoqualmie Pass. The department says drivers should prepare for snow through the mountains and Eastern Washington.