Winter Storm Warning for the Cascades

Urgent - Winter Weather Message
National Weather Service Seattle Wa
246 pm pst Thu Jan 1 2009
 
West slopes northern Cascades and passes-West slopes central Cascades and passes-246 pm pst Thu Jan 1 2009

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 am pst Friday for the central and North Cascades.

Snow levels have briefly risen to around 4000 feet this afternoon south of Snoqualmie pass as the first of two low pressure systems passes through Western Washington. Snow has become light over the mountains this afternoon with the passing of the first system.colder air will quickly be drawn back over Western Washington tonight...lowering the snow levels below 1000 feet after midnight.Snowfall will pick up for the central cascades again later this evening as the second system approaches the north Oregon coast.another 6 to 18 inches can be expected by morning with the heaviest accumulations south of Stevens pass.

An avalanche warning continues through tonight for extreme avalanche danger.

Motorists traveling into the cascades should be prepared for difficult and hazardous driving conditions...lengthy delays...and Possible road closures for avalanche control.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means significant snowfall is occurring or imminent. Significant amounts of snow will make travel hazardous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must...keep flashlights...food...water...and blankets in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

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