BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A powerful early November storm is blanketing the North Cascades with heavy snow, creating dangerous travel conditions near Mount Baker and along Highway 20. The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Winter Storm Warning through 10 a.m. PST Friday for the Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit counties.
According to the NWS Seattle office, snow will intensify Wednesday night and continue through Thursday night, with 12 to 24 inches expected on Mount Baker and 8 to 12 inches possible along Highway 20 west of Washington Pass. At the highest elevations, totals could approach three feet by Friday morning. The agency warns that travel may become extremely difficult or impossible at times, especially during the Thursday morning commute.
Motorists should avoid unnecessary travel through the Cascades, and those who must drive are urged to carry tire chains, warm clothing, food, and water. The Washington State Department of Transportation reports that rapidly changing conditions could cause chain requirements, delays, or temporary closures near the Mount Baker Ski Area and the North Cascades Highway.
Periods of blowing and drifting snow will further reduce visibility in exposed passes and ridges. Forecasters expect snow to gradually taper off Friday morning, with temperatures remaining below freezing in higher elevations through the weekend.
