Seattle, Washington – Snow is stacking up across the central Cascades, and drivers crossing Stevens Pass overnight could face slick pavement and sudden slowdowns before 4 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King counties until 4 a.m. Friday. Forecasters expect up to 10 inches of total snow in the higher elevations, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph. At Stevens Pass, snowfall totals will likely range between 4 and 6 inches at pass level, with heavier amounts in the surrounding backcountry.
The most significant statewide travel impacts center on mountain corridors linking western and eastern Washington. Snow-covered lanes and gusty crosswinds could force temporary closures or chain requirements along U.S. 2 at Stevens Pass, especially during heavier bursts of snowfall.
Blowing snow may reduce visibility at times, while gusty winds could knock down small tree branches and lead to isolated power outages in higher terrain communities.
Drivers should slow down, carry tire chains and check Washington State Department of Transportation updates before departing. Keep emergency supplies in vehicles and charge devices in case of outages.
The advisory remains active until 4 a.m. Friday, and additional alerts could be issued if snowfall intensifies overnight.
