Anyone planning to meet Santa on the west side of the state had better be prepared for chilly temperatures, rain and -- worst case scenario -- ice and snow, especially in the Cascade Mountains.
Even in the Tri-Cities, we likely will need gloves and mufflers, maybe even snow boots.
The National Weather Service is predicting some soggy days through Christmas in the Mid-Columbia with a chance of snow showers. Temperatures will fluctuate from lows in the mid-20s to highs in the low 40s.
Motorists in the passes very likely will encounter snow flurries through today with conditions improving to rain and overcast skies by Christmas Day. The National Weather Service also is predicting light winds, 10 to 20 mph, in the passes.
Friday's pass conditions from the Washington State Department of Transportation:
w Snoqualmie Pass is bare and wet with slush in places with no restrictions for either direction on Highway 90. Temperatures are in the 30s with occasional snow flurries.
w White Pass, Highway 12, is bare and wet with ice and slush in places. The DOT is recommending motorists carry traction tires. Temperatures are in the 30s with occasional snow showers.
w Stevens Pass is closed from the summit to milepost 84 because of downed trees on the roadway. The DOT does not have an estimated time for reopening Highway 2.
For the latest information on road conditions call 5-1-1 or go to www.wsdot.wa.gov. To check on the latest weather, go to the Herald website at www.tricityherald.com and click on "forecast" at the upper right.
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