Orcas Island schools are closed today as north winds continue to sweep across the island, swirling clouds of powdery snow through the air.

County emergency management reports 2-4 inches of new snow on ground this morning, with bands of snow showers lingering over the islands that could drop a couple more inches of snow before tapering off mid-morning.

“Roads require extreme caution at moment; go slow and carefully,” said emergency director Brendan Cowan. “Colder and windier this afternoon will feel downright arctic.”

The Orcas Senior Center has also been closed, with today’s scheduled presentation on Time Banking postponed.

The Sheriff’s Department is strongly advising anyone driving to the Orcas ferry terminal to have chains on the vehicle.