Additional Coverage:
- Winter weather alert over 16 inches of snow with 5 states ready for bitterly cold temperatures (themirror.com)
Winter Wonderland Alert: Pacific Northwest Braces for Significant Snowfall
Get ready to bundle up, Pacific Northwest! A significant winter storm is set to sweep through parts of Washington and Oregon this weekend, bringing with it over 16 inches of snow in some areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for several states, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, warning residents of hazardous driving conditions and dropping temperatures.
Temperatures across the affected states are expected to dip to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, with Idaho anticipating even colder lows of 22 degrees in some regions.
In Washington state, Western Okanogan County is forecast to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow at elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, with higher accumulations of 8 to 16 inches possible above 5,000 feet. Travelers along Highway 20 in western Okanogan County should be particularly prepared, as Washington Pass is expected to see the highest snow totals, ranging from 13 to 16 inches. The NWS advises anticipating winter driving conditions throughout the region.
Oregon is also in for a snowy weekend, particularly in the southern Oregon Cascades north of Lake of the Woods. Areas mainly above 4,500 feet, including Crater and Diamond Lakes and portions of Highways 62, 238, 138, 58, and 230, could see 6 to 10 inches of snow, with up to 16 inches possible above 6,000 feet.
This advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Pacific time on Saturday until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The east slopes of the Oregon Cascades are also projected to receive 6 to 10 inches above 4,500 feet.
The NWS cautions that heavy snowfall, especially Saturday afternoon with a 70 percent chance of 1 inch per hour rates, combined with low visibility, will create very difficult driving conditions. Gusty winds could also lead to tree damage and commute delays.
An alert for these areas, warning of moderate to heavy snowfall and potential tree branch damage, is in effect from 8 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m.
Monday.
Beyond the immediate Pacific Northwest, Wyoming’s Absaroka, Teton, and Gros Ventre Mountains are expected to receive 6 to 10 inches of snow, primarily above 8,000 feet, with the worst conditions anticipated Sunday evening.
Closer to home, other areas in Washington with elevations above 3,500 feet, including Chelan and Okanogan counties, as well as Stevens Pass and Washington Pass, could also see 6 to 10 inches of snow over the weekend. Similar advisories have also been issued for the upper slopes of the eastern Washington Cascades Crest, Washington’s northwest Blue Mountains, and Oregon’s northern Blue Mountains.
Residents in all affected areas are advised to exercise caution, allow for extra travel time, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Stay safe out there!