Tri-Cities forecast makes it easier to stay inside. Snow on Snoqualmie causing problems

Winds could gust up to 40 mph today in the Tri-Cities, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

It has issued a wind advisory for all of the Mid-Columbia through 7 p.m.

Sustained speeds of 20 to 26 mph are expected, with the wind coming from the west.

Wind speeds should drop on Tuesday to 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as as 29 mph.

A 60 percent chance of rain is forecast through Monday night. However, there may not be enough rain to prevent blowing dust at times.

Temperatures are near normal for late March, with highs forecast in the mid to upper 50s Monday and Tuesday.

Travelers can expect a snowy week in the Cascade Mountains, including on Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass.

The Washington State Department of Transportation closed I-90 eastbound about five miles west of the summit just before 7 a.m. for about two hours.

Vehicles had spun out and blocked the roadway as snow fell.

Six to 10 inches of new snow was forecast on the pass Monday, with another three to 7 inches Monday night.

Tuesday and Wednesday more snow is forecast, with a total of four to nine inches forecast over the two days.

More snow is possible Thursday and Friday.

This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 8:23 AM.