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By Gerrard Kaonga
US News Reporter
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The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Washington as areas in the state have already been hit by power outages.
Late Tuesday, the NWS Seattle Twitter page has also remarked that this storm could bring significant snowfall.
"A winter storm warning (areas in pink) has been issued for King and Snohomish Counties through 11 A.M. Wed," the page tweeted.
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"Generally expect up to 3-4 inches of additional snow accumulation through tonight, (likely less around downtown Seattle)."
KREM2 meteorologist Thomas Patrick suggested there could be even more snow across Washington than warned by the NWS.
"Winter storm warning just issued for Spokane. 6-10 inches of snow is likely, most of it falling Wednesday morning. Up to 16 inches of snow is still expected in NE Washington and far North Idaho," Patrick tweeted.
Other social media users have taken pictures of their local area showing more than six inches of set snow. In addition to this, many have remarked that some homes and local areas are without power as a result of the weather.
PowerOutage.us, a website that tracks blackouts across the country, has shown how expansive the outages are across the state.
Of the 3,235,419 tracked customers in Washington, 128,361 customers are without power.
Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light and Snohomish County PUD have the most impacted customers, according to the website.
Of Puget Sound Energy's 1,100,000 customers, 44,937 are without power. Of Snohomish County PUD's 341,109 customers, 44,657 are without power. Of Seattle City Lights' 554,568 customers, 28,970 are without power.
Newsweek has reached out to each energy provider to find out how long customers are expected to be without power.
The NWS Seattle page has also shared a tweet by the WSDOT Traffic page advising those traveling by car on how to do so safely.
"The first snowfall for the winter season is upon us, so here are some driving tips.
"Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. Keep headlights on. Slow down and don't accelerate too quickly. If it's non-essential, considering delaying your travels," WSDOT Traffic said.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) also has tips on how to travel safely during cold weather as well as driving on snow.
When driving in wintry conditions, the organization has advised drivers to: "Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
"Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread. Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow."
For driving in the snow, the AAA has emphasized considering staying at home altogether and waiting until the weather improves.
But if driving is essential, the AAA advised: "Drive slowly, adjusting speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
"Accelerate and decelerate slowly, apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid kids.
"Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. Know your brakes and keep the hell of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake."
The AAA has also avoided to not stop if it can be avoided, not to power up hills and to not stop when going up a hill.
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