Widespread High Wind Event; Heavy Snow Expected from the Northern Plains to Northeast

Widespread high winds will continue to impact the interior Northwest, northern Plains, and Upper Midwest. Gusty winds and low relative humidity will bring critical fire weather to the central and southern Plains and south coastal Texas today. A storm tracking across the northern Plains, Great Lakes and into the Northeast U.S. will bring heavy snow and gusty winds into Saturday. Read More >

Click a location below for detailed forecast.

Last Map Update: Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 5:34:15 pm PDT

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

National Weather Service Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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Winter Storm Warning

Avalanche Warning

Flood Warning

Winter Weather Advisory

Flood Watch

Hydrologic Outlook

Strong Winds Thursday

Return of Lowland Snow?

Heavy Mountain Snow Through Friday

Rising Rivers Friday through Sunday

Avalanche Warning

Strong wind gusts will continue Thursday. Winds will be strongest in the morning, then gradually decrease through the afternoon and evening, become lighter heading into the overnight. Tree damage and power outages possible. Other impacts include choppy lakes, difficult driving for high-profile vehicles, and the potential for blowing dust around the Moses Lake Area.

Snow levels will fall back down on Thursday, with precipitation increasing again Thursday Night. How this situation evolves carries high uncertainty in the snow forecast. The official NWS forecast issued at 2 AM PDT March 12th is shown, but broader ranges are possible and shown on the right side of the graphic. Snow amounts carry high uncertainty for the lower elevations of the Palouse and Central Panhandle Mountains, as well as the Camas Prairie.

Heavy snow showers will impact mountain passes tonight through Friday. Stevens Pass could see up to 3 feet of snow, Snoqualmie Pass could see up to 3 feet of snow, and Lookout Pass could see up to 2 feet of snow. Please avoid travel if possible. If travel is necessary, keep an emergency supply kit in the vehicle.

A few rivers in the Palouse and one in the east Slopes of the Cascades will experience bankfull or minor flooding conditions Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15. These rivers are: Stehekin River, Paradise Creek, and Palouse River. Impacts include minor flooding and swift currents. Please take precautions and follow all road signs regarding any flooded roads.

Avalanche Warning through 7 AM PDT Friday, March 13th, 2026. New snow has formed dangerous slabs of snow and will likely cause a widespread cycle of natural avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. It will be very easy for backcountry travelers to trigger them during this period. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during this period. More info at: https://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/ or https://avalanche.org/