BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A powerful early-season snowstorm continues to bury the North Cascades, where travel remains dangerous through Friday morning. The National Weather Service in Seattle has extended its Winter Storm Warning until 10 a.m. PST Friday for the Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Mount Baker and Highway 20 near Rainy and Washington Passes.
According to the Weather Service, an additional 8 to 10 inches of snow is expected near Rainy Pass, with up to two more feet possible at higher elevations on Mount Baker. Winds could gust up to 35 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow and sharply reduced visibility. Conditions will remain treacherous overnight, especially for anyone attempting mountain travel.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that snowplows are working continuously to keep Highway 20 and nearby access routes open, but travel may become difficult to impossible through early Friday. Drivers are urged to delay trips, carry emergency supplies, and check wsdot.com for real-time updates before heading into the mountains.
Lower elevations in Skagit and Whatcom counties will see rain or a rain-snow mix, while heavy snow continues to blanket the higher peaks. The system is expected to taper off late Friday morning, followed by a brief dry period before another Pacific storm approaches this weekend.
