Seattle, WA – Drivers heading into the mountains east and south of Seattle face hazardous conditions later this week as a Winter Weather Advisory was issued Monday afternoon for the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, the advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday through 10 p.m. PST Wednesday, with 6 to 10 inches of snow expected at higher elevations. Impacted areas include Snoqualmie Pass, White Pass, Crystal Mountain, Mount Rainier’s Paradise and Longmire areas, Hurricane Ridge, and stretches of SR-18 near Tiger Mountain Summit.
Forecasters say snow will intensify Tuesday evening and persist through much of Wednesday, with winds in the passes gusting up to 35 mph. Blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility at times, particularly over White Pass and exposed ridgelines.
The advisory covers the Cascades of Southern King County, Pierce and Lewis counties, and the Olympic Mountains, areas frequently traveled by commuters, freight haulers, and holiday-bound drivers. Travel could become very difficult during periods of heavier snowfall, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
Gusty winds combined with snow accumulation could also bring down tree branches, increasing the risk of scattered power outages in mountain communities and recreation areas.
The alert was issued at 1:55 p.m. Monday, upgrading an earlier winter storm watch as confidence increased in impactful snow totals. Transportation officials urge motorists to slow down, carry traction devices, and allow extra travel time.
Drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and consider delaying mountain travel if possible. Those heading to ski areas or across the passes are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and road conditions closely as the storm develops.
