Winter storm warnings, threatening to bring up to 20 inches of snow, strong winds, and icy conditions to three states, as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns those in affected areas to “consider delaying all travel,” as driving is likely to be dangerous.
States Affected by Winter Storm Warnings
Oregon, Washington, and Utah have been issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories, which are in effect from Tuesday, lasting, in some cases, until Thursday.
Oregon
The eastern slopes of the Oregon Cascades are forecast to get between 6 and 12 inches of snow, especially in areas above 4,000 feet—with the heaviest snowfall expected along the Cascade crest—and winds reaching 45 mph from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning.
For the northern and central Cascades of Oregon, between 12 and 20 inches of snow and 45 mph winds are expected from Tuesday afternoon into Thursday morning.
The northern Blue Mountains could get between 5 and 11 inches of snow and 40 mph winds from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday night.
Washington
The Cascades of Snohomish, Whatcom, Pierce, and southern King Counties, along with Lewis, northern King, and Skagit Counties, are expected to get up to 20 inches of snow and 40 mph winds from mid-morning Tuesday until late Wednesday night. The heaviest snowfall is likely to be overnight on Tuesday.
Between 3 and 12 inches of snow and 35 mph winds could blast Stevens Pass, Holden Village, and Stehekin, especially in areas above 3,500 feet, from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon.
From Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning, the southern Washington Cascades could see up to 20 inches of snow in areas above 2,500 feet, and winds reaching 45 mph, while the upper slopes of the eastern Washington Cascades could see up to 8 inches of snow (with the most expected across the Cascade crest) and 45 mph winds from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday night.
The northwest Blue Mountains could see up to 11 inches of snow and 40 mph winds from Tuesday afternoon, lasting until Wednesday night.
Methow, Conconully, Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp, along with Chesaw Road, Boulder Creek Road, Highway 20 across Wauconda Summit, and Loup Loup and Sherman Passes, could get up to 7 inches of snow and 35 mph winds from mid-Tuesday morning until Wednesday.
Utah
The central and southern Mountains of Utah have been issued with a winter weather advisory, as it could get up to 8 inches of snow—with the heaviest amount likely to fall in areas above 9,000 feet—until Tuesday afternoon.
What This Means for Those Affected by Winter Storms
The NWS “highly discouraged” travel in badly affected areas, as heavy snow combined with strong winds is likely to create low visibility, which could lead to “very difficult driving conditions.” Roads are likely to be slippery, and the strong winds could also bring down tree branches or power lines, which could impact journeys.
If residents must travel, they should take a winter storm kit with them, which includes tire chains, flashlights (with extra batteries), blankets, non-perishable, high-energy food, drinking water, shovels, a first aid kit, extra clothes, and “anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.” They should also “drive with caution,” by leaving plenty of room between the cars in front, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, and being especially careful on hills or when making turns.
The NWS has also warned that strong winds could cause power outages in some areas. If generators are in use, they must be kept outside and away from windows and vents.
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