Live updates: Snow descends on Pierce County, Western WA. Major highways closed
Locals in Pierce County might have awoken to white sheets of snow on their doorstep Friday morning for the first time this winter.
Impacts included treacherous driving conditions and closures of some highways across the Cascades, including Snoqualmie Pass. Power outages were reported on Key Peninsula, Tacoma and elsewhere. Some schools, including Tacoma Public Schools, decided to close early.
The forecast in the Tacoma area calls for rain possibly mixed with snow. Areas might experience fog between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with a high near 40 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
At night before 8 p.m., there will be rain and snow, the forecast reports. There is a chance of rain between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. The temperatures are expected to be around 39 degrees. Any new snow is not expected to stick.
In other parts of the county, rain and snow are anticipated throughout the day, the forecast says.
The NWS reports most of the impacts of the snow will be in the foothills. Travelers going through White Pass have had difficulties because of the snow in the area.
The NWS had “moderate-high confidence” for seeing snow in the Puget Sound, The News Tribune reported Thursday.
Whether the snow actually accumulates depends on local surface conditions and temperatures. If the snow does accumulate, most areas should see up to 2 inches of snowfall, especially on grass, the story reported.
During the weekend, there is a chance of snow and rain in the morning, but little accumulation is expected, according to the NWS.
Power outages
Various power outages in the Key Peninsula are affecting customers, according to the Peninsula Light Company outage map. About 5,702 customers are without power as of 12 p.m.
In Tacoma, about 72 customers are without power, according to the Tacoma Power Utilities outage map.
Road closures
Eastbound state Route 18 is closed at Issaquah-Hobart Road in Snoqualmie because of disabled vehicles and the weather. There is no estimate when the route will open, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Snoqualmie Pass at Interstate 90 is closed westbound near milepost 106 in Ellensburg and eastbound near North Bend from multiple vehicle spinouts and crashes.
State Route 410 from Crystal to Greenwater is closed because of snow and ice on the road. There is no estimated time on when this roadway will reopen.
School District updates
The Tacoma School District announced an early release with all afternoon/evening activities canceled because of the weather conditions. All after-school activities, childcare, conferences and athletics, including games are canceled.
Early release was also announced for Tacoma Community College. All afternoon/evening activities have been canceled. Gig Harbor and Tacoma campuses will close at 1:30 p.m.
The University of Washington Tacoma is suspending operations at 1 p.m. Afternoon/evening activities are canceled.
Pierce College also announced it would close at 1 p.m. due to weather conditions.
University Place School District canceled all after-school activities.
Free bus rides to warming shelters
Pierce Transit announced Friday it would provide free rides to warming shelters though close of service Sunday.
“To help those who need access to transportation get out of the weather and shelter during cold temperatures, Pierce Transit is partnering with Pierce County Human Services to provide free bus, Runner and SHUTTLE paratransit (for registered SHUTTLE customers) rides to local warming centers and shelters,” the agency announced in a news release. “The free round trips are available throughout the day and evening for passengers who tell the driver they are traveling to or from a warming center or shelter.”
Shelters are open in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Parkland and Gig Harbor. For more information on shelters, visit PierceCountywa.gov/8220/Homeless-Emergency-Shelter-Availability.
This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 9:28 AM.
