Winter Storm Warnings in effect for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana through Thursday
A major winter storm is affecting the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, with Winter Storm Warnings in effect through 16:00 PST on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Heavy snow is forecast to continue across the Cascades of Washington and Oregon, extending into Idaho and western Montana. Snow accumulations are forecast to reach between 30 cm and 120 cm (1 to 4 feet), with gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph) causing whiteout conditions and difficult travel across mountain passes.
Image credit: Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued Winter Storm Warnings for much of the Cascade Range and adjoining high terrain in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and western Montana. The warnings remain in effect until 16:00 PST on Thursday, January 8.
In western Washington, heavy snow continues across the Cascades of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Lewis counties, including Mount Baker, Snoqualmie Pass, and Mount Rainier.
Snow totals of 60–120 cm (2–4 feet) are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 55 km/h (35 mph). Snowfall rates could go over 2.5 cm per hour (1 inch per hour) at times, creating extremely hazardous travel conditions.
Heavy snowfall is forecast for the northern and southern Cascade ranges, the Siskiyou Mountains, and the eastern Cascade foothills in Oregon.
The North and Central Oregon Cascades could receive 60–120 cm (2–4 feet) of snow, while the Siskiyou Mountains and southern Oregon Cascades are expected to accumulate 10–50 cm (4–20 inches). The heaviest snow is expected from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday morning, with winds gusting to 80 km/h (50 mph) over exposed terrain.
Farther east, warnings are in effect for the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington, the northern Clearwater Mountains of Idaho, and the Lower Clark Fork Region of western Montana.
Snow accumulations in these areas will vary from 20 to 75 cm (8 to 30 inches), depending on elevation, with winds gusting to 70 km/h (45 mph). Conditions will likely deteriorate rapidly along major passes, including Lookout Pass on Interstate 90 and portions of U.S. Highway 12 and 200.
Road closures, fallen tree branches, and reduced visibility due to blowing snow are expected across the region. Mountain travel is strongly discouraged through at least Thursday afternoon. The NWS advised motorists to carry winter emergency supplies, including tire chains, blankets, water, and a flashlight.
Backcountry travel is discouraged due to avalanche risk being forecast to increase through midweek due to heavy new snow and strong winds.
The warnings were issued due to the first of the two frontal systems that are forecast to bring widespread precipitation and heavy mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest between Tuesday and Thursday. It is associated with a weakening atmospheric river; it will bring rainfall to the region on Tuesday, followed by a second, stronger system on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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