Weather
Washington Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Snow Squalls Trap Drivers
Olympia, WA – Washington motorists can encounter dangerous highway conditions when sudden snowfall and strong winds reduce visibility across mountain passes and exposed roads. As winter weather prepar
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-28T10:56:03.439Z
Olympia, WA – Washington motorists can encounter dangerous highway conditions when sudden snowfall and strong winds reduce visibility across mountain passes and exposed roads. As winter weather preparedness messaging continues Wednesday, Oct. 28, drivers are being reminded that a brief burst of heavy snow can turn a routine trip into a serious safety hazard.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , snow squalls are short lived bursts of intense snowfall, often accompanied by gusty winds and rapidly deteriorating visibility. Conditions can change within minutes, leaving motorists little time to react.
How Snow Squalls Threaten Washington Highways Interstate 90, Interstate 82, U.S. Highway 2 and U.S. Highway 97 are among Washington's major travel routes where sudden snowfall and blowing snow can create hazardous conditions.
Drivers traveling through King, Kittitas, Chelan, Spokane and Yakima counties may encounter rapidly changing conditions, particularly at higher elevations.
Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass and U.S. Highway 2 near Stevens Pass are especially vulnerable to heavy mountain snowfall and icy pavement.
Eastern Washington also faces blowing snow risks across open terrain, where strong winds can reduce visibility even after snowfall ends.
What Is a Snow Squall Warning? The NWS issues Snow Squall Warnings when dangerous snow squalls are occurring or imminent.
These warnings typically last 30 to 60 minutes and may activate Wireless Emergency Alerts on compatible mobile phones.
A warning indicates an immediate threat to motorists, especially at highway speeds, where sudden whiteouts can contribute to multivehicle crashes.
Longer lasting mountain snowfall may instead prompt Winter Storm Warnings or other winter weather alerts.
What Washington Drivers Should Do When a Snow Squall Warning is issued, the safest option is to delay travel until conditions improve .
Drivers already traveling should reduce speed gradually, increase following distance and turn on headlights.
Avoid sudden braking, abrupt lane changes and stopping in active travel lanes. If visibility deteriorates, exit the highway safely when possible.
Motorists should check mountain pass conditions and chain requirements before departing.
Current road conditions and pass restrictions are available through the Washington State Department of Transportation .
Official forecasts and warnings are available from the NWS Seattle office , NWS Spokane office and NWS Pendleton office .
Winter weather preparedness messaging continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, as part of this editorial series , emphasizing how quickly snow squalls and blowing snow can create dangerous highway conditions across Washington.