If you plan to drive across the Cascade mountains this week for Thanksgiving, make sure to buckle your turkey and pies in tight. A series of weather systems rolling through Western Washington is expected to bring snow to mountain passes, just in time for holiday travel.
A first wave of rough weather was set to move through the Seattle area from Saturday night into Sunday. National Weather Service forecasters expected steady rain in the lowlands early Sunday, with rain showers on and off Sunday afternoon.
That same system will bring snow to mountain passes. From Sunday to Monday, about 3 to 6 inches of snow are expected on both Snoqualmie and Stevens passes, weather service meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch said.
That's the main thing we're concerned about, for those traveling over the mountain passes, DeFlitch said.
Another weak front will bring showers to the Seattle area Monday.
Tuesday should see a brief break of dry weather, providing a good window for travel before a larger storm system arrives in the afternoon or evening. Stevens, Snoqualmie and White passes are expected to see their heaviest snowfall from Tuesday night to Wednesday, DeFlitch said, although it's too early to know exactly how much to expect and when the snow will turn to rain.
The Western Washington lowlands should expect rain from Tuesday evening through Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday.
DeFlitch recommends that travelers keep an eye on the Washington State Department of Transportation's pass conditions for potential closures, delays and traction requirements.
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