Washington Blizzard Warning Issued for Cascades and Olympics as 1–4 Feet of Snow and 40–60 MPH Winds Create Life-Threatening Whiteout Conditions
WASHINGTON — A powerful winter storm is hitting the Washington Cascades and Olympic Mountains tonight into Wednesday, prompting an urgent Blizzard Warning and strong advisories against mountain travel. Forecasters emphasize that this is a very dangerous system, with conditions expected to deteriorate rapidly overnight.
Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Expected
According to the alert, the storm will bring a combination of hazards capable of shutting down mountain passes and creating life-threatening conditions. Impacts include:
- 1 to 4 feet of snow across the Cascades and Olympic ranges
- 40–60 mph wind gusts
- Whiteout visibility
- Extreme travel dangers over all major passes
Regions under the blizzard warning include the North Cascades, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and mountain areas surrounding communities such as Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Port Angeles, Bellingham, Yakima, and Ellensburg.
Officials Urge: Do Not Travel Over the Passes
Travel over the mountain passes is strongly discouraged. Even short trips could become hazardous due to blowing snow, sudden whiteouts, and rapidly accumulating snowfall. Road crews may not be able to keep routes clear due to the intensity of the storm.
Authorities warn that conditions may become impossible for emergency responders to reach stranded vehicles.
What Residents Should Know
Residents and travelers should be prepared for:
- Road closures without notice
- Dangerous or impossible travel over mountain highways
- Possible power outages in higher elevations
- Very limited visibility due to blowing and drifting snow
This system poses significant winter danger, and anyone planning travel across the Cascades or Olympics should postpone plans until conditions improve after the storm passes.
NapervilleLocal.com will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.