Washington – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of the Washington Cascades, with icy travel conditions expected from Thursday afternoon through early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, the advisory covers the Cascades of southern King County, including Snoqualmie Pass, SR-18 at Tiger Mountain Summit, and the Greenwater area. The advisory begins at 1 p.m. Thursday and remains in effect until 7 a.m. PST Friday.
Forecasters expect mixed precipitation at Snoqualmie Pass, with ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch. Even light icing can significantly increase the risk of crashes, particularly on mountain passes where temperatures fluctuate near freezing.
The National Weather Service warned that roads may become slick and hazardous, especially during the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches of roadway are expected to be especially prone to icing as precipitation continues overnight.
In addition to travel concerns, officials noted that ice accumulation may lead to isolated power outages, particularly if ice builds up on trees and power lines in higher elevations. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, and be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions.
Snoqualmie Pass is a critical east–west travel corridor across the Cascade Range, and impacts during the evening and early-morning hours may affect freight traffic, long-distance travelers, and early-shift commuters heading into Friday.
The National Weather Service recommends travelers check pass conditions before departing and carry winter driving supplies if travel cannot be delayed. Motorists should be alert for freezing rain or refreezing surfaces as temperatures dip overnight.
The advisory remains in effect until conditions improve Friday morning, with continued monitoring advised for anyone planning travel through the central Cascade passes.
