Weather
Washington Weather Alert: 4–8 Inches Snow Could Impact Passes Tuesday Oct 27-28
Spokane, WA – Drivers crossing Washington's Cascade Mountains could face hazardous travel conditions beginning Tuesday evening as a developing weather system threatens to bring 4 to 8 inches of snow t
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-26T22:03:48.003Z
Spokane, WA – Drivers crossing Washington's Cascade Mountains could face hazardous travel conditions beginning Tuesday evening as a developing weather system threatens to bring 4 to 8 inches of snow to mountain passes through Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, snowfall is expected to begin affecting Cascade passes Tuesday evening, Oct. 27, and continue through Wednesday, Oct. 28, potentially creating difficult driving conditions along several major routes.
Forecasters identified U.S. highways 2, 12 and 20 as routes that could be affected by accumulating snow.
These highways provide important connections between western and eastern Washington, carrying commuters, commercial vehicles and travelers through mountainous terrain where conditions can change rapidly.
The National Weather Service expects mountain passes to receive approximately 4 to 8 inches of snow during the event.
Snow covered pavement, reduced visibility and slippery mountain roads could make travel more challenging, particularly during periods of heavier snowfall.
Drivers planning to cross the Cascades Tuesday night or Wednesday should prepare for winter conditions and allow additional travel time.
Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before departure and consider carrying emergency supplies, warm clothing and appropriate winter traction equipment.
The Washington State Department of Transportation provides updated highway conditions, mountain pass information and travel restrictions through its online travel map.
While the forecast highlights potentially challenging travel, the supplied National Weather Service update does not establish specific highway closures or chain requirements.
Those decisions depend on actual road conditions and transportation officials' assessments.
Travelers should also monitor weather updates Wednesday morning as snowfall continues across higher elevations.
Conditions could remain difficult into Wednesday afternoon before the forecast snow period ends.
Residents and travelers can check current road conditions at wsdot.com/map and updated weather forecasts at weather.gov .