Western Washington to see strong winds, ‘drenching’ rain this weekend; heavy snow expected in the mountains

Western Washington is in for another spell of wintery weather this weekend. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle is forecasting heavy snow in the mountains — including Snoqualmie and Stevens passes — beginning Thursday night and lasting through Saturday evening.

The passes are expected to see between 4 and 10 inches of snow at the 2,000-foot level Thursday night, and could see between 18 and 30 inches of snow at the 3,000-foot level from Friday to Saturday night.

“Travel could be very difficult in the passes through tonight and again Friday night and Saturday,” the NWS said Thursday. “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”

Seattle is expected to see heavy rain and strong winds throughout the weekend. Temperatures will fluctuate between the high 30s and high 40s. On Friday and Saturday, wind speeds will generally range between 8 and 18 mph, but residents could see gusts as strong as 24 mph.

A gale warning is in effect for the state’s coastal areas until Friday afternoon, particularly along the Olympic Peninsula.  

“A gale warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or occurring,” the NWS said. “Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.”

North of Seattle, cities such as Everett and Bellingham will also see heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend. Winds will be weaker to the south, with gusts of up to 20 mph in Everett Friday night. Bellingham could see gusts as strong as 31 mph.

South-of-Seattle cities such as Tacoma and Olympia will also see rain and strong winds this weekend. Wind speeds will peak in Tacoma Saturday with gusts up to 26 mph, and will peak in Olympia that same day with gusts as strong as 29 mph.