Heavy rain, gusty winds and mountain snow will remain in Western Washington this weekend
SEATTLE — Rain has arrived in Western Washington as the first atmospheric river of the fall season is expected to dump 1 to 3 inches through the weekend.
Atmospheric rivers are common in the Pacific Northwest, and as their name suggests, they resemble rivers in the sky. This storm system also brings gusty winds and snow to the mountains, a sign that we are officially in the wet and stormy era of the Pacific Northwest.
The KOMO News 4-CAST team has compiled a schedule of what to expect through Sunday.
SATURDAY
Just in time for your weekend, a second front is expected to bring more heavy rain showers and gusty winds to western Washington, with a gale watch in effect from Saturday morning through late Saturday night for the North Shore, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A wind advisory is also in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday for parts of northwest and west-central Washington.
Cooler air will enter the Cascades by 4 p.m. Saturday, lowering the snow level to about 3,500 feet, according to the NWS.
The NWS has issued a winter weather advisory beginning at 11 p.m. Saturday through Sunday evening for the North Cascades, including Mount Rainier, Snoqualmie Pass, Mount Baker, Greenwater, Stevens Pass, Ashford, White Pass, Crystal Mountain, SR 18 at the top of Tiger Mountain, Longmire and Paradise.
Total snow accumulations could be 6 to 10 inches for areas above 3,500 feet, except on Mount Rainier which could see 10 to 14 inches of new snow, the NWS said.
Stevens, White and Blewitt Passes can expect consistent snow while Snoqualmie may see a rain-snow mix or sleet.
State Route 410 Chinook Pass and State Route 123 Cayuse Pass are closed for the season Friday morning due to expected snowfall in the mountains this weekend.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews have trained and prepared their equipment for the upcoming winter season – and are asking the public to do the same.
READ MORE: Chinook and Cayuse set to close for the season in Mount Rainier National Park Friday
If you’re crossing the passes this weekend, give yourself extra time and plan for winter driving conditions.
SUNDAY
Sunday will bring a mix of heavy showers and cool temperatures, with more snow in the higher passes and lingering wind gusts in the lowlands.
Saturday’s winter weather advisory will continue through Sunday evening, so travel over mountain passes could be difficult this weekend.
Travelers can always check WSDOT Mountain Pass trip reports before heading out.
What is the weather like where you are? Share your fall storm photos with us on Chime-In. Click here to see your full forecast.
