Oregon wakes to damp roads and low clouds, but eyes are already turning uphill. A powerful winter storm is lining up, and the Cascades are about to take the brunt.
A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for the Oregon and Washington Cascades from early Tuesday through Thursday afternoon. Meteorologists warn this will be a high-impact winter event, capable of shutting down mountain travel for days.
Heavy snow arrives around 4 a.m. Tuesday, intensifying through Tuesday afternoon and evening. Snowfall rates may reach one inch per hour, especially near Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, Santiam Pass, Willamette Pass, White Pass, and Mount Hood. Winds gusting 35 to 40 mph will reduce visibility and create blowing snow.
By the time the storm winds down Thursday, snow totals of 1 to 2 feet are expected across much of the Oregon Cascades. In Washington’s Cascades, 2 to 4 feet of snow is possible. The eastern slopes and Blue Mountains could see 20 to 30 inches, with tree damage and scattered power outages possible.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Bridges and overpasses will ice first. Travel may become very difficult to impossible, especially during peak snowfall Tuesday and Wednesday. Backcountry travel is strongly discouraged.
Drivers who must cross the mountains should reconsider plans. Emergency officials urge delaying travel when possible. If travel is unavoidable, carry chains, food, water, warm clothing, and a flashlight. Keep fuel tanks full.
This storm marks a decisive shift deeper into Winter 2026 for the Pacific Northwest. Conditions may briefly ease late Thursday, but more systems are being monitored behind it.
Planning to travel through the Cascades this week? Let us know what you’re seeing on the roads where you live.
