Home / Weather / Washington Blizzards Rage: Power Outages Grip Hundreds of Thousands
Washington Blizzards Rage: Power Outages Grip Hundreds of Thousands
19 Dec
Summary
- Blizzard warning issued for Washington's Cascade and Olympic mountains.
- Nearly half a million people in Washington and Oregon are without power.
- Continuous atmospheric rivers are expected through year-end.
A blizzard warning is in effect for significant portions of Washington's Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including Pierce, Lewis, Snohomish, King, Whatcom, and Skagit counties. This severe weather follows recent record flooding caused by atmospheric rivers. Currently, nearly half a million individuals across Washington and Oregon are without power, with restoration efforts complicated by hazardous conditions.
Mountain passes are particularly perilous, with forecasts predicting 18-24 inches of snow at Baker and Paradise, and 6-12 inches at other passes. This blizzard is indicative of a broader trend of extreme weather affecting the region, as a series of atmospheric rivers is anticipated to continue through the end of the year, posing potential risks during the busy holiday travel period.
Forecasters warn of possible flooding, landslides, and challenging travel conditions, especially in mountain areas and recently burned regions prone to flash flooding and debris flows. High winds and heavy precipitation may also lead to additional power outages. The blizzard warning is slated to expire on Wednesday, December 17th.
