Seattle, WA – A powerful winter storm is set to impact the Pacific Northwest, bringing heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions to the Cascades of Washington and Oregon through early Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday until 5 a.m. Saturday for the Cascades in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and Northern King counties. These areas can expect 12 to 20 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph, making travel extremely difficult.
Further east, Western Chelan County, including Stevens Pass and Holden Village, remains under a similar warning from 5 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Saturday, with anticipated snow accumulations between 10 and 18 inches.
In Oregon, the Northern and Central Cascades, including Government Camp, Santiam Pass, and McKenzie Pass, will experience heavy snow through 11 p.m. Thursday, with accumulations up to 15 inches and up to 20 inches above 5,000 feet. The East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades are also under a warning until 11 p.m. Thursday, with additional snowfall between 4 and 8 inches above 4,000 feet.
Motorists should expect hazardous driving conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Authorities urge travelers to delay trips if possible and carry emergency supplies, including food, water, and a flashlight. Power outages may occur due to accumulating snow and gusty winds.
