Western Washington braces for wind, rain and hazardous Cascade travel through Thursday A winter storm warning has been issued for the Cascade Mountains as heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected to impact the region through Thursday. The storm system, driven by an atmospheric river, is set to bring significant precipitation, with snow levels remaining near pass elevations rather than dropping significantly. This contrasts with earlier storms in December, which saw snowfall extend to lower elevations. Snowfall in the mountains is expected to intensify later Wednesday, with an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow projected in the next 24 hours. A blizzard warning has been issued for parts of the Cascades and Olympics from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday, as winds could exceed 60 mph near mountain peaks. Travel across the Cascades is expected to be hazardous during this period. In the lowlands, periods of cool March rain are anticipated on Wednesday, with damp conditions likely to affect morning and evening commutes. High temperatures in the metro area are projected to reach about 50 degrees, close to normal for this time of year. The storm system will bring gusty winds to the region, with southerly winds of 30 to 50 mph and gusts up to 55 mph expected across Western Washington. Strongest winds between Kitsap and King counties are anticipated between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday. A wind advisory is in effect, and gusty conditions could lead to tree damage and power outages. As the storm moves east, winds will shift to the west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands, with gusts of 40 to 55 mph possible in areas such as Oak Harbor, Port Angeles, and Anacortes. By Thursday, winds are expected to ease, but rain in the lowlands and snow in the mountains will continue.#cascades #atlantic_river #mountain_peaks #strait_of_juan_de_fuca #san_juan_islands
Blizzard Warning for Cascades, Wind Advisory in lowlands in effect A series of powerful storm systems is bringing several feet of snow to the Cascade Mountains and gusty winds along with rainfall to the lowlands. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Cascades, with up to 1 to 3 feet of snow and strong winds expected. Meanwhile, the lowlands face heavy rain and high winds that could lead to localized flooding and power outages. The most significant impacts are anticipated on Wednesday, with a Wind Advisory in effect for much of the lowlands. The criteria for a Blizzard Warning include heavy snowfall, wind speeds exceeding 35 mph, and visibility less than a quarter of a mile, all sustained for at least three hours. While snow is common in the Cascades, sustained winds during such events are less frequent. The National Weather Service has issued only seven Blizzard Warnings in the region, four of which occurred in the past two years. Weather alerts have been issued for the Cascade Mountains due to the expectation of significant snowfall. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 5 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Saturday, indicating continued heavy snowfall is possible through Saturday morning for much of the Cascades and the Olympics. A Wind Advisory remains in place until 6 a.m. Thursday, with wind gusts potentially reaching 50 mph in western Washington lowlands and sustained southwest winds of 25-30 mph. The strongest winds are expected between 8-11 p.m. on Wednesday. The Blizzard Warning, active until 5 a.m. Thursday, covers much of the Cascades, where blizzard conditions could include winds gusting up to 40-45 mph and snow accumulations of up to 12 inches. The Olympics are also under the warning, with snowfall of up to 4 inches and winds gusting to 60 mph.#national_weather_service #cascades #olympics #snoqualmie #white_passes
