Weather
Washington Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: What Makes a Blizzard?
Olympia, WA – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Washington residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? From the Cascade Mountains to
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-25T17:51:25.179Z
Olympia, WA – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Washington residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? From the Cascade Mountains to the open terrain of eastern Washington, strong winds and blowing snow can make travel dangerous even when little new snow is falling.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , a blizzard occurs when sustained winds or frequent gusts reach at least 35 mph, accompanied by falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to one quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
Heavy snowfall isn't required. Powerful winds can lift existing snow, producing a ground blizzard and dangerous whiteouts after snowfall has stopped.
What's the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning? A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible, giving residents time to prepare.
A Winter Storm Warning means dangerous winter conditions are expected or already occurring.
A Blizzard Warning indicates blizzard conditions are expected or underway. Travel can become extremely dangerous as visibility drops and snowdrifts block roads.
What Should Washington Residents Have Ready? Before winter storms arrive, households should prepare emergency supplies, including:
Food and water: At least three days of nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person daily. Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags, insulated clothing and safe backup heating options. Emergency supplies: Flashlights, batteries, medications, first aid kits and charged power banks. Vehicles: A full gas tank, blankets, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a small shovel and emergency supplies. Snow removal: Shovels, ice melt, rock salt and traction materials. Never operate generators, outdoor grills or other outdoor fuel burning equipment indoors or inside garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Washington From Seattle and King County to Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, Spokane, Wenatchee and Yakima, winter weather hazards vary significantly across the state.
The Cascade Mountains can experience intense snowfall, powerful winds and dangerous visibility reductions. Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 and Stevens Pass on U.S. Highway 2 are major travel corridors where winter storms can trigger restrictions and closures.
Eastern Washington's open agricultural areas are also vulnerable to blowing and drifting snow. Exposed stretches of Interstate 90, Interstate 82 and U.S. Highway 395 can become hazardous during strong winter winds.
In western Washington's lowlands, heavy rain, freezing rain, wet snow and icy roads are often more common concerns than blizzards. Even limited snowfall can disrupt travel across the Seattle Tacoma metropolitan area.
Mountain travelers should also watch for avalanche hazards, which can develop independently of official blizzard conditions.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency plans, check supplies and monitor official NWS forecasts and WSDOT travel conditions.
Remember: A blizzard is defined by wind, visibility and duration — not snowfall totals.