Mount St. Helens, WA – A powerful winter storm will bring heavy mountain snow to the South Washington Cascades beginning Tuesday evening, with totals approaching two feet near the region’s volcanoes by Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday for elevations above 2,000 feet, where an additional 2 to 4 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph are expected. Conditions will worsen later today when a Winter Storm Warning begins at 5 p.m. and continues through 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Forecasters say snowfall will intensify overnight and Wednesday, with 12 to 20 inches expected above 2,500 feet. Higher elevations near Mount St. Helens and surrounding volcanic peaks could see totals reach 24 inches.
Travel through mountain passes and forest roads may become hazardous as snow accumulates and winds increase. Bridges and overpasses could quickly turn slick, especially overnight as temperatures drop.
The heaviest snowfall rates are expected between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, which could make travel through the Cascades particularly dangerous during the daytime hours.
Officials advise postponing mountain travel if possible and carrying emergency winter supplies if driving through higher elevations. Road restrictions and chain requirements may also develop as snow intensifies through Wednesday.
