Warning Issued as Hundreds Face Harmful Travel

Winter climate advisories are in place for hundreds throughout the Pacific Northwest on Monday, with the National Weather Service warning of hazardous journey amid snowy circumstances.

NWS meteorologist Ian Gesell advised Newsweek it was the primary measurable snowfall occasion for a lot of areas.

Why It Matters

Being so early within the season, some folks might not be ready for wintry circumstances. The winter climate advisory is in place to remind folks to make use of additional warning whereas driving and strolling on icy surfaces. It additionally inspired motorists to make sure they’ve winter provides of their automobile ought to they get stranded in poor climate circumstances.

What To Know

A winter climate advisory stays in place for elements of Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Montana on Monday, with 1 to 2 inches of snow anticipated to fall, relying on the situation.

Montana and Idaho

NWS workplaces in Great Falls and Missoula issued winter climate advisories for elements of Montana and Idaho, which is able to stay in place via Monday at midday native time. Up to 1 inch of snow was anticipated in Cascade County under 5,000 ft elevation, Upper Blackfoot, MacDonald Pass, and Gates of the Mountains. Up to 2 inches may fall within the Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjoining foothills and plains.

NWS Missoula warned of as much as 2 inches of snow on Highway 83 from Seeley Lake to Condon, Clearwater Mountains above 5,500 ft, as much as 2 inches above 4,500 ft in Lower Clark Fork Region, as much as 2 inches above 5,500 ft on Highway 93 from Sula to Lost Trail Pass, as much as 2 inches above 5,000 ft in MacDonald Pass, Butte, Georgetown Lake, and Homestake Pass, and as much as 1 inch at Flathead Lake, Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and Polson.

Oregon and Washington

NWS Portland warned of as much as 1 inch of extra snowfall above 4,000 ft within the South Washington Cascades and the Northern and Central Cascades of Oregon.

NWS Seattle warned of as much as 2 inches of snow within the Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties.

NWS Spokane stated snow was doable for elevations above 3,000 ft, with as a lot as 6 inches anticipated between 3,000 and 4,000 ft and as much as 12 inches above 4,000 ft for Holden Village, Blewett Pass, and Stevens Pass.

NWS Pendleton stated between 2 and 4 inches was anticipated above 4,000 ft for the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades and the Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest.

California

In California, the NWS workplace in Reno stated heavy snow as much as 12 inches was anticipated above 7,000 ft within the Greater Tahoe Lake space, with quantities as excessive as 2 ft within the Sierra Nevada. Winter storm warnings are additionally in place all through Central California, primarily for the high-elevation areas within the Sierra Nevada.

What People Are Saying

NWS Spokane in a winter climate advisory: “Travel over mountain passes could be difficult. Backcountry recreationalist may experience a rapid degradation in weather conditions, and should be prepared for winter conditions. In addition, breezy winds in the mountains will lead to wind chill values in the teens.”

NWS Pendleton in a winter climate advisory: “Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”

What Happens Next

Most winter climate advisories will expire inside the hour, although some are set to stay in place via Monday night. In California, wintry circumstances will persist via Wednesday morning.