Up to 12 inches of snow is expected to fall across parts of Washington from early afternoon on Wednesday until Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), which has issued a winter weather alert warning of hazardous travel conditions, particularly during commutes on Wednesday and Thursday.
Why It Matters
Local paper The Olympian reported that weather-related vehicle crashes claim more than 6,000 lives nationwide each year. The NWS is urging residents and travelers, in certain parts of the state, to drive carefully, warning that “travel could be very difficult to impossible,” in some places. It’s also told the affected areas to prepare for possible power outages.
What To Know
The NWS has issued an updated Winter Weather Advisory for the following areas in the state of Washington: The Cascades of Whatcom, Skagit Counties, and Western Okanogan County.
For the Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, snow accumulations between 6 to 12 inches are expected along the Cascade Crest and highest points of Highway 20, from Wednesday at 4 p.m. through Friday at 10 a.m. (PST). The most difficult times to travel are expected to be from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning and again Thursday night.
For the Western Okanogan County, residents and travelers could see up to 15 inches of accumulated snow above 4,000 ft, with the highest amounts expected near the crest and Washington Pass. Five inches is expected to fall by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and snowfall rates could reach around an inch per hour overnight on Wednesday and Thursday.
Those in affected areas are advised to check the latest road and weather updates before travelling and carry an emergency kit in their vehicles, which includes items such as a first aid kit, windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovels, sand (to grit the road if necessary), flashlights, a cell phone charger, warm clothes, drinking water, nonperishable food, and a tow rope.
What People Are Saying
The NWS stated, in its advisory, that “Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact travelers along Highway 20 from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, as well as Thursday night.”
It also reminds residents to: “Make sure your home, office, and vehicles are stocked with the supplies you might need. Make sure farm animals and pets also have the essentials they will need.”
What Happens Next
The winter weather advisory remains in effect through Friday at 10 a.m. Residents and travelers are urged to monitor NWS forecasts and the Washington State Department of Transportation for real-time road conditions and hazard updates.
Travelers are encouraged to delay non-essential trips during the advisory period and use extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.
The NWS and local agencies will continue to provide safety recommendations and weather updates.
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