Storm set to hit WA on Christmas. Here’s how it will affect holiday travel, road closures
This Christmas will be met with stormy weather in much of Washington. The National Weather Service put out a winter storm watch for the Cascade Mountain region, which could see “heavy snow” as low as 3,500 feet between Wednesday and Friday as gusts. Northwest Washington, meanwhile, is on high wind watch as gusts could reach 40 mph Wednesday afternoon and 55 mph Thursday.
The storm comes in the middle of one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Whether driving back from visiting family for Christmas, or heading on a trip for New Year’s, here’s what you need to know about potential road closures and travel hazards.
Are road closures expected?
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the following mountain passes are currently closed for the season:
Aside from those, it’s too early to know exactly which highways will be closed following the Christmas storm, WSDOT spokesperson RB McKeon said.
“We had two slides on SR 20 last week, so a reminder that last minute closures are possible and travelers should be prepared for them,” McKeon told McClatchy in an email.
With the mountains expected to see heavy snow, you can check the current road conditions of each mountain pass on WSDOT’s website. WSDOT also maintains a map that lists closures and hazards on highways statewide, not just on mountain passes.
“We aren’t the weather experts, so make sure you are checking in with the National Weather Service or your preferred network meteorologist, use our planning tools like the real time travel maps and mountain pass page, carry chains and know how to install them before you need them, and make sure that your emergency car kit has been restocked,” McKeon said.
Tips for safe holiday travel
If you know you’re going to be driving through an area hit by the winter storm, you should make sure your car is prepared in advance, Scott Klepach, another WSDOT spokesperson, told McClatchy.
“I would emphasize … making sure travelers have serviced their cars, have traction tires and bring chains along with them — and to know how to use them — bring layers of clothing, blankets, and water in the car, and always, always take things slowly. Know that travel will take longer and don’t crowd plows or other vehicles,” Klepach said. “If you don’t have to travel, it might be better to stay home in the event of a storm.”
Once you’re on the road, WSDOT recommends you take the following precautions when driving through severe winter weather:
Slow down
Leave extra room
Give yourself extra time to reach your destination
Turn on headlights, don’t rely on the automatic feature
Watch for pooling or standing water on the road
Turn off cruise control
If you see flooding, turn around and don’t drive through it
“At the end of the day, the most important thing is to plan ahead — that means checking conditions before you go all the way across your route and if you are staying overnight or for a few days, checking again before your return,” McKeon said.
This story was originally published December 24, 2024 at 11:56 AM.