Blizzard Warning Issued for Olympic Mountains: Up to 3 Feet of Snow and High Winds Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Seattle, WA, has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Olympic Mountains. This alert is effective as of March 9, 2026, and remains in place until late Wednesday night. Additionally, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the period immediately following the blizzard conditions.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic region affected by this warning is the Olympics (WAZ328). This includes high-elevation areas and mountain passes within the range where blizzard conditions are most likely to manifest.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions. Snow-covered roads will make travel difficult to impossible, and motorists should expect significant delays or temporary road closures. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Visibility may be reduced to less than a quarter-mile at times due to falling and blowing snow.

Expected Conditions

• Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulations are expected to reach up to 3 feet.
• Wind: Winds are forecasted to gust as high as 45 mph, with peak wind activity expected Wednesday evening into late Wednesday night.
• Visibility: Blowing snow may reduce visibility to below 1/4 mile.
• Hazards: Gusty winds may be strong enough to bring down tree branches.

Timeline

• Blizzard Warning: In effect from 5:00 PM PDT Tuesday, March 10, through 11:00 PM PDT Wednesday, March 11.
• Winter Storm Watch: In effect from Wednesday evening through Friday morning, as heavy snow is expected to continue following the blizzard conditions.