Pendleton, OR – A pre-Thanksgiving winter system is expected to bring accumulating snow and potential travel hazards to parts of Oregon and Washington beginning late Tuesday morning and continuing through Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service in Pendleton. The storm will primarily affect the Cascade crest, the Blue Mountains, and surrounding valleys.
According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest snow is forecast along the Washington Cascade crest and parts of the Blue Mountains north of Interstate 84. Light to moderate snow is likely across mountain passes, while lower elevations may see a chance of light freezing rain, particularly across the Washington Cascade east slopes, Yakima Valley, the Kittitas Valley, and the Grande Ronde and Wallowa valleys.
Travel impacts are expected on key routes, including I-90, I-84, and US-12, where reduced visibility, slick roads, and potential glazing from freezing rain may slow traffic. Snowfall rates and exact totals will vary by elevation, with a 50–80% chance of mountain snow accumulations and a 20–60% chance of light ice glaze in affected areas.
The weather system moves in at 10 AM PST Tuesday and continues through 4 AM Wednesday, aligning closely with early holiday travel windows. Motorists should check pass conditions before leaving, especially those crossing Snoqualmie Pass, White Pass, or traveling through the Blue Mountains.
NWS urges drivers to keep emergency kits in vehicles, allow extra stopping distance, and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions.
