Winter Weather Advisories have expanded across large portions of Washington and Oregon, with freezing rain and mixed precipitation expected to create hazardous travel conditions from early Thursday into early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, advisories cover the eastern slopes of the Washington Cascades, the Kittitas and Yakima valleys, the Columbia Basin, central Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge, and foothill communities along the Blue Mountains. Timing varies by region, but many advisories begin between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thursday and remain in effect through late Thursday night or early Friday morning.
Forecasters expect periods of freezing rain and mixed precipitation, with ice accumulations ranging from a light glaze to around one-tenth of an inch. While ice totals are relatively modest, even small amounts can lead to slick roads, icy bridges, and dangerous driving conditions.
In Washington, impacted areas include Snoqualmie Pass, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Yakima, the Tri-Cities, Goldendale, and portions of the eastern Cascade crest. In Oregon, advisories include central Oregon cities such as Bend, Redmond, and Prineville, along with the eastern Columbia River Gorge, the Lower Columbia Basin, and foothill communities including Pendleton, Hermiston, Heppner, and The Dalles.
The National Weather Service warned that freezing rain may affect both the Thursday morning and evening commutes in several areas. Power disruptions are also possible if ice accumulates on trees and utility lines, particularly in higher terrain and exposed locations.
Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of icing. Transportation officials recommend checking current road conditions before departure through WSDOT and TripCheck services.
With advisories extending into New Year’s Day and overnight hours, officials emphasize continued caution as icy conditions may persist even after precipitation tapers off.
