WASHINGTON, USA — A system sweeping into western Washington on as early as Saturday night is expected to bring heavy mountain snow, lowland rain, breezy winds and chances for lowland snow showers, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Snowfall amounts range between 1-2 feet for the Cascade passes, with the heaviest accumulations at Stevens Pass between Sunday and Tuesday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected on Sunday into Sunday night.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for areas above 1,500 feet.
Rain/snow mix possible for some lowland areas
The system is also ushering in cooler temperatures for western Washington, meaning snow levels could drop to between 400 and 800 feet.
Communities in the Cascade foothills above 500 feet, north King County and southern Snohomish County are likeliest to see minor slushy accumulations on Monday morning, according to the KING 5 Weather Team.
Temperatures will remain above freezing so ice is not expected to form.
Rain showers will continue into Tuesday as temperatures warm slightly. Another system is expected to bring additional precipitation later Tuesday into Wednesday.
Mountain pass travel during snowfall
Drivers traveling over the mountain passes during periods of heavy snowfall are asked to keep a close eye on travel conditions and travel with tire chains and emergency supplies.
Check mountain passes
Here is what WSDOT suggests drivers pack in their emergency drive kit when traveling in hazardous weather:
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Blanket
- Snacks
- Water
- Gloves
- Boots
- First-aid kit
- Tire chains
- Ice scraper/snowbrush
- Jumper cables
- Road flares
