Drivers across western Washington woke up to a travel nightmare on Friday, March 13, 2026, as a potent late-winter storm brought heavy snow, downed trees, and a cascade of highway closures stretching from the Cascade foothills to the central Puget Sound region. The disruption, which began with snarled traffic and hazardous conditions on Thursday, continued into Friday morning, leaving residents scrambling to adjust their plans—and officials working around the clock to clear the roads and keep people safe.
It all started early Thursday morning, March 12, when several trees toppled across a 10-mile stretch of State Route 410 (SR 410) between Enumclaw and Greenwater, forcing the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to close the highway between Mud Mountain Road and a point just west of Greenwater, covering mileposts 30 to 40. According to KIRO 7, crews began removing the fallen trees after sunrise and worked tirelessly until the roadway was fully reopened later that day. But as soon as the chainsaws fell silent, another challenge was already brewing.
By Friday morning, the situation had escalated. Heavy snow blanketed the region, triggering a fresh round of closures and travel warnings. In a 6:51 a.m. press release, WSDOT announced that both directions of SR 410 were closed once again at Mud Mountain Road due to accumulating snow near Greenwater. The agency warned drivers to expect delays and seek alternate routes, as snowplow crews were dispatched to clear the roadway. There was no estimated time for reopening, leaving many travelers in limbo.
But SR 410 was hardly the only trouble spot. The FOX 13 Weather Team issued a Weather Alert Day for Friday morning, citing ongoing snow in the lowlands and mountain passes across western Washington. According to FOX 13, both eastbound and westbound traffic on Interstate 90 (I-90) at Snoqualmie Pass were closed due to heavy snow, collisions, and multiple spinouts. Westbound traffic was first shut down at Easton around 7 a.m., and by 8:15 a.m., eastbound lanes were also closed. "It is currently snowing hard," WSDOT reported, describing road conditions as a treacherous mix of compact snow and ice.
The domino effect of closures and accidents rippled through the region. As reported by The Seattle Times, Interstate 90 was closed between North Bend and Ellensburg due to a string of spinouts and collisions. The right lane of a westbound I-90 onramp from West Lake Sammamish Parkway was blocked by fallen trees, while Highway 18 was shut down east of Issaquah-Hobart Road to the I-90 interchange because of a disabled vehicle. On Stevens Pass east of Skykomish, all lanes on Highway 2 at Tye River Road Northeast were blocked following a collision, with no estimated reopening time. White Pass on Highway 12 was also closed in both directions for avalanche assessment. East of Enumclaw, SR 410 was again closed in both directions due to snow, with plows en route but no clear timeline for reopening. Officials strongly advised drivers to delay travel or find alternate routes.
For those hoping to stay ahead of the storm, the warnings were clear and urgent. As reported by 870 AM KFLD, the Washington State Patrol and WSDOT urged drivers to prepare for snow, rain, and wind across the state through Friday, March 13. "Give yourself plenty of time this weekend and make sure you have your chains just in case," the Washington State Patrol advised. The agencies recommended that travelers carry an emergency kit in their vehicles, including water, snacks, blankets, gloves, chargers, jumper cables, a flashlight, and warning devices. In addition, drivers were encouraged to stay informed by checking real-time traffic, pass conditions, and chain requirements on WSDOT's website or mobile app.
For many, the suddenness and severity of the storm were a rude awakening. The FOX 13 Weather Team described the conditions as a "Weather Alert Day," emphasizing that both lowland and mountain communities were affected. Webcam images from I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass showed whiteout conditions and snow piling up on the roadway. In some areas, WSDOT's traffic cameras were offline, making it even harder for travelers to gauge the situation ahead.
The impact was felt not just by commuters and truckers, but also by local businesses and emergency services. With so many major highways closed or obstructed, deliveries were delayed, appointments canceled, and emergency responders faced additional hurdles reaching those in need. The closures on I-90, SR 410, Highway 2, Highway 12, and Highway 18 effectively paralyzed large swaths of the region's transportation network.
WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol worked in tandem to manage the crisis. Snowplow crews were dispatched to the worst-hit areas, while troopers responded to collisions and stranded motorists. In their public advisories, officials repeatedly stressed the importance of preparation and patience. "Travelers were urged to check current traffic, pass conditions, and chain requirements on WSDOT's website," noted KFLD, echoing the widespread call for caution.
For those caught in the chaos, the advice was simple: delay your trip if possible, and if you must travel, be ready for anything. "Drivers should delay traveling to the area or find another way around," WSDOT stated, as reported by The Seattle Times. The agency also provided resources for real-time updates, including the WSDOT mobile app, travel map, and email alerts.
As the storm continued through Friday, uncertainty lingered. With no estimated times for reopening on several key routes, many residents and businesses faced an anxious wait. The combination of heavy snow, downed trees, collisions, and avalanche risk created a perfect storm of challenges for Washington's road crews and first responders.
Still, amid the disruption, there were glimmers of resilience. Crews worked long hours to clear fallen trees and plow snow, while neighbors checked in on each other and shared updates. The widespread use of emergency kits and preparedness tips—like carrying tire chains and extra supplies—helped many avoid more serious trouble. And for some, the snow offered a brief, if inconvenient, reminder of nature's power and unpredictability.
By Friday evening, some roads had begun to reopen, but the full recovery would take time. The events of March 12 and 13, 2026, served as a stark reminder that even as winter wanes, the weather in western Washington can still pack a punch—one that demands respect, preparation, and a healthy dose of patience from everyone on the road.