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
