Washington state hit by more snow and ice storms

SEATTLE — Schools closed across Washington state and the Legislature cancelled all hearings Monday as snow and ice storms pummeled the Northwest again, with more winter storms predicted for areas that typically experience very rainy winters but usually get very little snow.

Seattle’s metro area has already been hit by three snow storms this month and the National Weather Service reports that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has received 14.1 inches (36 centimeters) of snow so far in February.

In the state capital of Olympia, state lawmakers cancelled meetings and the University of Washington in Seattle and Washington State University in Pullman called off classes.

The latest storm to hit Seattle dumped 2 and 4 inches (5 to 15 centimeters) of snow and forecasters said more snow or rain was expected Monday and Tuesday for Washington state.

“Where changeover from snow to rain occurs, roads will likely become a slushy mess,” the National Weather Service said.

A tractor-trailer hauling live chickens crashed on slick Interstate 5 near Olympia. Some chickens escaped but officials said the driver was not injured.

In Northern California, Humboldt County beaches that have not had snow in more than 15 years received a dusting and blizzard conditions caused whiteout conditions on mountain roads.

Elsewhere around the U.S., the Midwest braced for more ice storms, heavy snow was expected for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and roads in northern Utah were icy.