Snow and bitter cold in Tri-Cities forecast. Heavy snow expected on Snoqualmie
Snow is possible Friday night in the Tri-Cities ahead of a sharp drop in temperatures early in the next work week, according to the National Weather Service
Travelers also should be prepared for snow in the Cascade and Blue mountains, with heavy snowfall forecast on Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass, as a weather system over the Gulf of Alaska moves south.
The weather service says there is a slight chance of snow Friday morning in the Tri-Cities, changing to rain as the day warms.
Snow is more likely Friday evening, with a 50 percent chance of snow forecast.
However, less than an inch of snow is expected Friday through Friday night.
Saturday through Sunday, a slight chance of a rain and snow mix is forecast both mornings and nights in the Tri-Cities with rain possible during the days.
Snow is more likely Monday than on the weekend, according to the weather service’s early forecast.
Falling temperatures
Temperatures will drop significantly starting Monday.
Highs that could reach the 50s on Wednesday will drop to about 34 by Monday in the Tri-Cities and to 27 Tuesday, according to the weather service.
At Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90, new snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches is possible on Friday, followed by 4 to 8 inches Friday night and 5 to 9 inches on Saturday.
More snow is forecast through at least Monday night, but the weather service has not released possible snow accumulation for Saturday night through then.
Travelers heading east on Interstate 84 in Oregon also can expect snow every day through Monday, according to the weather service.
Snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is forecast for both Friday and Friday night, with another 1 to 2 inches on Saturday at Meacham, Ore., on I-84. The Friday and Saturday snowfall total at La Grande, Ore., could be 6 to 8 inches.
Winter travelers should pack warm clothing, boots and gloves, blankets, a flashlight and extra batteries, food, water, a cell phone charger, tire chains and kitty litter or sand to help with traction, says the Department of Transportation.