Blizzard Warning Issued for Southern King, Pierce, and Lewis County Cascades

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Cascades of Southern King County and the Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties. This high-priority alert is part of a multi-stage weather event that also includes a Winter Weather Advisory and a subsequent Winter Storm Watch.

Affected Areas

The primary impact zone includes the Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties and the Cascades of Southern King County. This includes critical mountain passes and high-elevation regions within these Washington state counties.

What You Should Do

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle to remain safe. Residents are also advised to prepare for possible power outages and to use extreme caution while traveling. Monitor local forecasts for the latest updates on changing conditions.

Expected Conditions

Blizzard conditions are expected to create dangerous environments. Total snow accumulations of up to 2 feet are forecast during the Blizzard Warning period. Winds are expected to gust as high as 40 mph, with the strongest winds peaking late Wednesday night. These conditions may cause visibilities to drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow.

Additional details indicate that lower elevations, including Snoqualmie Pass, may see snow transition to rain late Wednesday as snow levels briefly rise before dropping again on Thursday. Tree branches may be brought down by gusty winds.

Timeline

• Winter Weather Advisory: Remains in effect until 5 PM PDT Tuesday, with 6 to 10 inches of additional snow expected.
• Blizzard Warning: Effective from 5 PM PDT Tuesday until 11 PM PDT Wednesday.
• Winter Storm Watch: Effective from Wednesday evening through Friday morning, where heavy snow could result in total accumulations of up to 4 feet.