Big storm set to bring 1 to 4 feet of snow to the Washington mountains this week
A snowstorm is finally coming to the mountains this week, bringing up to 4 feet to the Cascades and some soggy weather to the lowlands.
Although Wednesday started out dry, forecasters said the storm should move in by the afternoon.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Friday, with 2 to 4 feet of snow expected above 4,500 feet, 1 to 2 feet around 4,000 feet and 3 to 6 inches from 3,500 to 4,000 feet.
Snow levels will slowly drop as the week goes on, lowering to 3,500 feet by Friday morning.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph in the mountains could cause blowing and drifting snow, making driving over the passes difficult.
With winter weather making a grand arrival, state Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) closed for the season Wednesday morning.
This is the latest closure of the highway since Dec. 15, 2008, and the eighth latest closing date since 1972, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Weather down low is forecast to be steady rain through Friday with a big dose of wind.
In South Sound, three-quarters of an inch is possible by Friday, and winds could gust up to 33 mph Thursday.
This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 9:51 AM.
