Freezing rain possible in Tri-Cities, heavy snow in I-90 forecast
A storm moving through Washington state and part of Oregon could mean trouble for drivers, both in the Tri-Cities and those heading over the Cascade Mountains or down the Columbia River Gorge.
In the Tri-Cities a 50 to 60 percent chance of rain or freezing rain was forecast from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday.
Tri-Cities crews were applying de-icer to roads in preparation for the storm Wednesday afternoon.
Precipitation should be light, says the National Weather Service.
The storm should put an end to freezing fog as lows are expected to be in the high 30s to mid 40s through at least Saturday night with more rain possible.
Highs could reach 55 in the Tri-Cities on Friday and 51 on Saturday before the storm moves out of the area and temperatures drop on Monday back into the upper 30s for highs, and below freezing for lows.
No snow is expected on Christmas day, according to early forecasts. The day should be cloudy and cold with a high in the mid 30s.
Snoqualmie Pass and Oregon
A winter storm warning was issued for the east slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state from Wednesday afternoon through 4 a.m. Friday.
New snow accumulation at Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 could be 3 to 7 inches overnight by Thursday morning, according to weather service forecasts.
Another 2 to 4 inches is expected Thursday and 4 to 8 inches Thursday night at the pass.
Total snow accumulation in the mountains is expected to be 10 to 24 inches through early Friday morning.
Travelers heading west down the Columbia River Gorge could hit a wintery mix of rain and freezing rain Thursday morning.
Snow was also forecast for the Blue Mountains with 1 to 2 inches expected on Interstate 84 at Meacham, Oregon, Wednesday night and 1 to 3 inches on Thursday.
The storm system is good news for skiers.
Bluewood near Dayton announced it would open for the season at 9 a.m. Friday with fresh powder.
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 2:03 PM.