Breezy conditions, rain returns to Seattle this weekend; heavy mountain snow expected

Winter is coming: Not just a tagline from a hit TV show, but a phrase Seattleites know all too well this time of year.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting snowfall up to 2 inches in the Hood Canal and Bremerton areas on Wednesday, with the most concentrated areas being closest to the Olympics.

Overall lowland snow is possible under 500 feet elevation for areas south and west of Puget Sound, with very light accumulation on grassy areas or elevated surfaces, according to NWS's Wednesday morning briefing. However, there is very little impactful snow accumulation forecasted for roadways, with the exception of highway 101 along Hood Canal.

The mountains will once again get blasted with snow this weekend, according to Wednesday's briefing. Snow-covered roads and delays through mountain passes are expected through early Thursday and then again late Friday through Saturday. NWS is forecasting "moderate to heavy snow" above about 2,500 feet Friday night and Saturday.

As for the Seattle area, Wednesday morning saw lower snow levels, with flurries at about 500 feet. That snow level will rise throughout the day, eventually reaching 1,000 feet by late Wednesday.

Thursday and Friday remain primarily dry, with lingering showers from Wednesday's system coming to an end early Thursday.

Another stronger system is in the forecast and is expected to reach the Seattle area on Friday night, bringing the return of lowland rain with the potential for breezy conditions.