Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings Issued for Western Chelan County Through Saturday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a series of severe weather alerts for Western Chelan County. These include an initial Winter Storm Warning, followed by a Blizzard Warning, and a subsequent Winter Storm Warning. These alerts indicate a prolonged period of hazardous winter weather conditions.

Affected Areas

The primary impact zone includes Western Chelan County, specifically focusing on Stevens Pass and Holden Village. Additional impacts are expected in Stehekin.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to take the following precautions:

• Travel Safety: If you must travel, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, food, and water. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle.
• Driving Conditions: Drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Maintain significant distance between vehicles and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
• Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your car is winterized and in good working order before attempting to travel.
• Information: Monitor the latest travel information for Washington at https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions will vary throughout the alert period:

• Snow Accumulation: The initial warning period expects 10 to 20 inches of additional snow. The blizzard period will see 8 to 12 inches, followed by a significant 1 to 3 feet of snow between Thursday morning and Friday night. Stehekin is expected to receive 6 to 12 inches total.
• Wind and Visibility: During the Blizzard Warning, wind gusts are expected to peak near 50 mph on Wednesday evening and night. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow.
• Temperature and Precipitation Type: Snow levels will rise Wednesday evening, leading to heavy, wet snow or rain mixes. Colder air will return early Thursday morning, with temperatures dropping back into the 20s.
• Impacts: Travel is expected to be very difficult. Strong winds may cause tree damage on Wednesday night.

Timeline

• Winter Storm Warning 1: Effective until 6:00 PM PDT Wednesday.
• Blizzard Warning: Effective from 6:00 PM Wednesday to 5:00 AM PDT Thursday.
• Winter Storm Warning 2: Effective from 5:00 AM Thursday to 5:00 AM PDT Saturday.