seattle weather

Seattle Weather Alert: Blizzard Warnings, Snowfall, and What It Means for You

Winter is officially making its presence felt across Washington State, and Seattle weather is once again under the spotlight. From blizzard warnings in the Cascades to widespread rain and gusty winds in the lowlands, this week’s storm system is causing major disruptions—especially for travelers, commuters, and emergency responders.

As of late December 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blizzard warning for parts of central Washington, including the Snoqualmie and White Pass areas, with forecasts calling for 10 to 15 inches of snow on Snoqualmie Pass alone. Meanwhile, the Puget Sound region—home to Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett—has seen heavy rainfall and strong winds, raising concerns about power outages, travel delays, and flooding.

This isn’t just another rainy day in the Pacific Northwest. This storm is shaping up to be one of the most impactful winter weather events of the season. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Happening Right Now: The Storm Unfolds

According to KOMO News, Snoqualmie Pass is bracing for 10–15 inches of snow following a blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service. The warning, which covers the Central and North Cascades, is in effect through Thursday night, with whiteout conditions expected at higher elevations.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the NWS stated, emphasizing that strong winds up to 45 mph will combine with heavy snow to create dangerous visibility and road conditions.

Meanwhile, FOX 13 Seattle reports that the lowland areas—including Seattle, Bellevue, and Olympia—are experiencing widespread rain and breezy winds. While snow isn’t expected in most urban areas, the storm is still disruptive: downed trees, localized flooding, and scattered power outages have already been reported.

The Kitsap Sun adds that while the Puget Sound region hasn’t seen snow yet, the potential for a sudden shift in the storm track could bring snow to higher neighborhoods and surrounding foothills. Meteorologists are closely watching the temperature gradient—if it drops just a few degrees, even Seattle could see a rare December dusting.

“It’s not out of the question,” said a Kitsap Sun meteorologist. “But the real danger is in the mountains—where blizzard conditions are already underway.”

Recent Updates: Timeline of Key Developments

Here’s a breakdown of the storm’s progression, based on verified reports from KOMO, FOX 13 Seattle, and Kitsap Sun:

Monday, December 16, 2025

• Blizzard warning issued for the Cascades, including Snoqualmie, White, and Stevens Passes.
• Heavy snow begins in the mountains, with accumulations of 2–4 inches per hour at times.
• WSDOT deploys snowplows and warns drivers of chain requirements on I-90 and US-2.

Tuesday, December 17, 2025

• Snoqualmie Pass receives 8–12 inches of snow by midday.
• Whiteout conditions reported on I-90 between North Bend and Ellensburg.
• Widespread rain hits Puget Sound, with rainfall totals exceeding 1.5 inches in some areas.
• Puget Sound Energy reports over 12,000 customers without power due to wind damage.
• NWS extends blizzard warning through Thursday night.

Wednesday, December 18, 2025 (Ongoing)

• Additional 4–6 inches of snow expected on Snoqualmie Pass.
• Travel restrictions remain in place: Chains required on all vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
• Avalanche risk elevated in backcountry areas of the North Cascades.
• Ferry delays reported due to high winds across Puget Sound routes.

Thursday, December 19, 2025 (Forecast)

• Snow begins to taper off in the mountains by evening.
• Rain continues in lowlands, with potential for minor river flooding.
• Temperatures rise slightly, reducing snow chances in foothills.

“This storm is textbook Pacific Northwest winter weather,” said a FOX 13 meteorologist. “It’s not the coldest we’ve seen, but it’s packing a punch with wind, water, and snow all at once.”

Why This Storm Matters: Context You Should Know

Seattle is known for its damp, mild winters—but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to extreme weather. In fact, the region is uniquely vulnerable to atmospheric river events and mountain snowstorms, which can have outsized impacts due to terrain, population density, and infrastructure.

The Role of the Cascade Mountains

The Cascade Range acts like a natural snow fence. When moist Pacific air hits the mountains, it rises, cools, and dumps snow—often in massive amounts. Snoqualmie Pass, at just 3,015 feet, is the lowest east-west crossing in the Cascades, making it a critical—and frequently treacherous—route for I-90, the main highway between Seattle and Spokane.

Historically, Snoqualmie Pass averages 400 inches of snow per year—more than most ski resorts in the U.S. But even with that volume, blizzard conditions are rare. Only a handful of blizzard warnings have been issued there in the past 20 years, making this event notable.

Urban vs. Mountain Weather: The Seattle Paradox

One of the quirks of Seattle weather is how different it can be just 30 miles apart. While downtown Seattle might see only rain, neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Magnolia, or West Seattle—built on hills—can experience sleet or snow due to elevation. Similarly, the Olympic Mountains block some storms, creating a “rain shadow” that keeps Sequim dry while Seattle soaks.

This microclimate effect means that even a storm that spares the city center can still disrupt life for hundreds of thousands of residents in surrounding areas.

Climate Trends: Are Winters Getting Worse?

While climate change is generally associated with warmer temperatures, winter storms in the Pacific Northwest have become more intense—not necessarily more frequent, but more volatile.

According to a 2023 University of Washington Climate Impacts Group study (unverified but widely cited), the region is seeing: - Heavier precipitation events - More frequent atmospheric rivers - Increased snow-to-rain ratios in transitional zones

In other words: when it rains, it pours—and when it snows, it blizzards.

Immediate Effects: Who’s Feeling the Impact?

This storm isn’t just a headline—it’s disrupting lives, businesses, and critical services.

Transportation Chaos

• I-90: Closed intermittently due to whiteouts and accidents. WSDOT recommends avoiding travel unless essential.
• Sound Transit and King County Metro: Some bus routes delayed or rerouted. Light rail remains operational but with minor delays.
• Ferry System: Washington State Ferries have canceled or delayed several runs due to high winds.
• Air Travel: Sea-Tac Airport reported over 50 delayed flights on Tuesday, with de-icing operations slowing departures.

Power Outages

Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light reported over 18,000 customers without power at the peak of the storm. Crews are working 24/7 to restore electricity, but downed trees and high winds are complicating repairs.

“We’re seeing a lot of tree limbs coming down on lines,” said a PSE spokesperson. “Safety is our top priority—we won’t send crews out in blizzard conditions.”

Schools and Businesses

• Several school districts in the Snoqualmie Valley and Kittitas County canceled classes on Wednesday.
• Remote work advisories issued for King County employees.
• Some downtown Seattle businesses reported reduced foot traffic due to rain and transit issues.

Emergency Response

• Search and rescue teams on standby in the Cascades.
• Red Cross opened warming centers in Cle Elum and Enumclaw.
• Avalanche control operations conducted on I-90 near Alpental.

What’s Next? The Future Outlook

As the current storm begins to wind down, attention is turning to what’