Seattle, Washington – Drivers heading into Washington’s Cascade passes could face near-whiteout conditions within hours as a powerful snowstorm begins dumping up to 20 inches of snow by midday Tuesday, threatening to shut down key travel routes like I-90 and US-2.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Wednesday, targeting elevations above 2,500 feet. Snowfall totals between 10 and 20 inches are expected, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph, especially Tuesday night into Wednesday morning when snowfall rates peak.
Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and White Pass are all in the storm’s direct path, with hazardous conditions likely along SR-18 at Tiger Mountain Summit and areas near Mount Rainier, including Paradise and Crystal Mountain. Blowing snow could reduce visibility below 500 feet at times, creating dangerous travel conditions and potential temporary road closures.
Washington State Department of Transportation crews may struggle to keep roads clear during peak snowfall, increasing the risk of spinouts and chain requirements. Travelers are urged to delay non-essential trips, carry emergency supplies, and prepare for sudden weather-related closures.
The heaviest snow continues through the Wednesday morning commute before tapering late in the day, though alerts remain in place until late Wednesday night with additional advisories possible.
