Snow might freeze over holiday travel plans
Dec 22, 2015, 7:46 AM | Updated: 4:38 pm
The passes got a break from the snow Tuesday morning. But more snow is on the way, according to the National Weather Service. (WSDOT)
(WSDOT)
The break from snow and rain is almost over, with more precipitation likely on its way.
Forecasts show a likelihood of snow or rain around Puget Sound starting tonight.
Snow levels could fall as low as 500 feet by tonight, according to the National Weather Service, and chances for precipitation are at 100 percent for much of the Seattle area. That could lead to rain/snow mixes, or wet snow with little to no accumulation.
Related: Chance of snowflakes in lowlands on Christmas Day
It will be an entirely different situation in the mountain passes. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Cascades of King, Lewis, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The warning is in effect for the central Cascades above 1,500 feet until 6 p.m. Wednesday. The weather service expects a total of up to 2.5 feet of snow accumulation by the end of the day Wednesday. The snow will pick up this evening and increase intensity overnight. The weather service expects localized snow rates of one inch per hour at times overnight through Wednesday, with the snow making travel “hazardous or impossible at times.”
Need to cross the Cascades? May want to delay your trip until Thursday if possible. https://t.co/vPzACXkFiH
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) December 22, 2015
The amount of snow that fell so far this week has made navigation over the passes difficult. The Washington State Department of Transportation reported 26 inches fell on Snoqualmie Pass. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Olympics’ above 1,500 until 6 p.m., with between 8-13 inches likely by late in the day Wednesday.
Cloudy, but dry & fairly smooth start to the PM commute. Let's hope it stays this way! pic.twitter.com/GeGYFwRXyo
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) December 22, 2015
EB I-90 is OPEN MP 47 near Denny Creek. Avalanche control work and cleanup have been completed. Drive safely!
— I-90 Snoqualmie Pass (@SnoqualmiePass) December 22, 2015
