Weather
Washington Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Storm Dangers
Olympia, WA – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Washington. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Oct
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-27T08:03:39.725Z
Olympia, WA – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Washington. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain, mountain pass ice and winter flooding can threaten communities throughout the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Ice accumulation can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and interrupt electrical service.
How Dangerous Can Washington Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause substantial tree damage and widespread power outages.
Washington experienced a significant ice storm in January 2012, when freezing rain coated portions of western Washington and disrupted transportation and electrical service.
Freezing rain is especially concerning in the Columbia River Gorge, where cold air can remain trapped near the surface while warmer air moves overhead.
Drivers traveling Interstate 5, Interstate 90, Interstate 84 near the Oregon border and U.S. Highway 2 should monitor conditions when freezing precipitation is forecast.
Winter Flooding and River Ice Risks River ice jams develop when accumulated ice restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Ice jams can occur along some eastern Washington waterways during prolonged freezing weather and subsequent thaws.
However, heavy rainfall, atmospheric rivers and rapid snowmelt are more widespread winter flooding threats across Washington.
Communities along the Skagit, Snoqualmie, Chehalis, Yakima and Spokane river systems should monitor river forecasts during winter storms and temperature changes.
How Washington Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Check mountain pass conditions before traveling. Avoid unnecessary driving during freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts through the NWS Seattle office , NWS Spokane office and NWS Pendleton office , which serve different portions of Washington.
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before ice storms, power outages and winter flooding threaten Washington communities.