SKYKOMISH, Wash — Travel over Cascade passes could be "very difficult to impossible" Tuesday afternoon to mid-morning Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Blizzard conditions are expected at or above 2,500 feet elevation. A Blizzard Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Wednesday for much of the Cascades.
During that timeframe, total snow accumulations could reach or exceed 12 inches, with winds gusting as high as 60 mph, according to the weather service. The strong winds could cause "extensive damage" to trees and power lines.
This will be the fifth Blizzard Warning issued by the weather service for the Cascades. The last was issued in January. Prior to that, Washington state hadn't seen this kind of weather alert in more than a decade.
To meet the criteria of a Blizzard Warning, forecasted snow needs to be 6 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in 24 hours, along with sustained high winds. The combination can create whiteout conditions and reduce visibility.
For this storm, the weather service warns visibility could be reduced to one-fourth of a mile for some areas.
The weather service suggests drivers delay their trips. If you must travel, the weather service suggests having a winter survival kit.