Snow and strong winds are predicted to affect mountain travel in eastern and central Washington beginning early Friday, triggering Winter Weather Advisories until late Friday night and Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Northeast Blue Mountains, which include Cloverland Road, Mountain Road, Anatone, and Peola, from 4 a.m. Friday to 10 a.m. PST Saturday. Forecasters predict 3 to 7 inches of snow above 3,000 feet and 1 to 3 inches at lower elevations, with wind gusts reaching 55 mph. Strong winds can increase the likelihood of tree damage and blowing snow.
Western Chelan County, which includes Holden Village, Stevens Pass, and Stehekin, is under a separate advisory from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST on Friday. Snowfall accumulations of 4 to 9 inches are expected, with up to 12 inches near Stevens Pass. Winds in this location can gust up to 40 mph.
The National Weather Service advises that driving might be extremely difficult, especially during Friday morning and evening commutes because of snow-covered roads, poor visibility, and gusty winds in higher elevations.
Drivers traveling over mountain passes and wilderness roads are advised to slow down, bring winter driving gear, and be ready for rapidly changing circumstances. The Washington State Department of Transportation provides updated road and travel information at wsdot.wa.gov/travel.
Leave a Reply