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Seattle, WA – Residents of Washington and Oregon are preparing for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions to the Pacific Northwest starting Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Storm Watches for elevations above 3,500 feet in Washington and Oregon, with snow accumulations potentially reaching 18 to 24 inches in higher elevations.
According to the NWS, the storm will begin Wednesday afternoon and continue through Friday morning. The Cascades, including Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and areas surrounding Mt. Baker, will see some of the heaviest snowfalls. Winds are forecast to gust up to 45 mph, significantly reducing visibility and creating dangerous travel conditions.
In Oregon, the storm will impact the Southern Oregon Cascades, including Crater Lake and the Siskiyou Mountains, where snowfall totals may vary from 3 inches in lower elevations to 2 feet in higher terrain. Strong winds up to 65 mph are expected to worsen conditions, potentially causing damage to trees and power lines.
Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates closely, carry winter emergency kits, and check chain requirements before heading into affected areas. Critical roadways, including US 20 at Santiam Pass and Highway 58 at Willamette Pass, are expected to become slick and hazardous.
Residents are urged to prepare for potential disruptions to holiday travel plans and anticipate power outages in some areas. The NWS emphasized the importance of delaying non-essential travel and ensuring vehicles are winter-ready.
As the storm approaches, meteorologists recommend staying tuned for updates on forecast adjustments and additional warnings.
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