WASHINGTON, USA — An atmospheric river is expected to bring freezing rain and snow to the mountain passes and potential flooding to the Olympic Peninsula Tuesday.
Mountain passes
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Cascades slopes and passes starting at 4 a.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday. The area could see up to 10 inches of fresh snow. The snow is expected early Tuesday then will transition to freezing rain in the afternoon, making travel over the passes difficult.
The Summit at Snoqualmie Ski Resort opens to pass holders Tuesday. Drivers are urged to use caution while driving. To check real-time pass conditions, click here.
Lowlands
Those in the lowlands can expect heavy, widespread rain Tuesday and Wednesday. Wind gusts are forecasted to reach 40 mph. A Flood Watch was also issued for Mason County until 4 a.m. Wednesday. The NWS estimates rainfall to total 3 to 5 inches at the Olympic Peninsula.
The Skokomish River is expected to enter moderate flood stage, according to NWS.
Coastal regions, islands
The coastal regions and islands are expected to see wind gusts of up to 50 mph, heavy rain, some coastal flooding and high surf. A Wind Advisory was issued for Grays Harbor County until 4 a.m. Wednesday, according to NWS. A High Wind Watch was issued for southwestern Washington counties Tillamook, Pacific, Lincoln and Clatsop through 4 a.m. Wednesday.