WASHINGTON, USA —
An extremely rare Blizzard Warning is in effect for parts of western Washington on Tuesday.
Washington hasn't had this kind of weather alert in more than 10 years.
In the Pacific Northwest, Winter Storm Warnings are common. The criteria for a Winter Storm Warning is heavy snow: 6 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in 24 hours.
A Blizzard Warning criteria is the same amount of snow plus wind.
The National Weather Service issued the alert and expects the blowing winds will reduce visibility to a quarter of a mile or less for three hours or longer and sustained winds of 35 mph or stronger or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater.
The warning officially starts at 4 a.m. on Tuesday and continues until 10 a.m. Wednesday for all mountains in western Washington above 2,000 feet.
In Washington, this is the fourth time the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Cascades. The most recent was in December 2012. Prior to that, one was issued in 2006 and another in 2008.
There might also be lowland snow accumulation later in the week. According to KING 5 meteorologists, there is still a lot of uncertainty around the forecast.
Current models suggested light accumulations of snow through Saturday. Areas that have the best chances for lowland snow include higher elevations and foothill communities and areas further south.
What is certain is that temperatures will be unseasonably cold through the second half of the week. Highs are expected to be in the high 20s to low 30s with morning low temperatures around 20 degrees Friday through Sunday.
Download the KING 5 app to check the interactive radar near you, as well as the latest forecast, cameras and current conditions.