The Pacific Northwest is bracing for a dramatic winter weather event this week, as a powerful storm system barrels into Oregon and Washington, promising several feet of snow in the Cascade Mountains and widespread rain and gusty winds across the region’s lowlands. With winter storm warnings and advisories in effect from January 7, 2026, both residents and travelers are being urged to prepare for hazardous conditions that could disrupt commutes, cause power outages, and make mountain passes treacherous.
According to KATU, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Oregon and Washington Cascades, impacting both the west and east sides of the mountain range. Forecasters predict that “two to three feet of fresh snow will fall on Mt. Hood and south Washington Cascade peaks through Thursday,” said Storm Tracker 2 Digital Meteorologist Bobby Corser. Santiam and Willamette passes aren’t far behind, with one to two feet of accumulation expected during the same period. The winter wallop is part of a system that began moving in early Tuesday, with snow already flying in the higher elevations before sunrise.
Seattle-area meteorologists echoed these warnings, with local outlets reporting that the Cascade Mountains are under a Winter Storm Warning for the next three days, with 2 to 4 feet of snow expected. “Snow levels will fluctuate from 3,000 feet at times today to 1,500 feet on Wednesday,” meteorologists explained. By Thursday morning, snow levels could even drop below 1,000 feet, raising the possibility of sleet or slush flakes in lowland areas like Bellingham and the foothill valleys.
It’s not just the snow that has residents on alert. Gusty winds are also a major concern. In Western Washington, winds are forecast to reach 30-40 mph around midday Tuesday, with gusts over 45 mph possible in areas such as Magnolia, Bellevue, north Whidbey, and Burlington, as reported by local Seattle news. A Wind Advisory is in effect for coastal and peninsula communities including La Push, Clallam Bay, Queets, Sekiu, Bellingham, Freeland, Langley, and Lake Crescent. These high winds bring the threat of downed trees and power lines, raising the specter of outages for thousands.
Meanwhile, the Olympic Mountains are also getting in on the action. Under a Winter Weather Advisory, the Olympics are expected to see 1 to 2 feet of snow, making travel on mountain roads perilous. The first flakes began falling well before sunrise Tuesday, and officials warn that difficult travel conditions are likely to persist for the next couple of days.
For drivers, especially those planning to cross the mountain passes, the message is clear: be prepared. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding motorists that vehicles must carry chains or traction devices. As Bobby Corser put it, “Drivers heading over highway passes will see winter driving conditions.” With winds gusting as high as 30 mph Tuesday and Tuesday night, visibility could be severely reduced, compounding the dangers of snowy, icy roads.
In the lowlands, rain is the story. Portland is set to receive up to an inch of rain by Thursday, with the heaviest precipitation falling Tuesday and Wednesday. “In Portland, the rain will pick up over the course of the morning. Winds will also become gusty this afternoon,” KATU noted. High temperatures in the metro area are expected to reach the mid-40s, but with the persistent rain and wind, it’ll feel colder than the thermometer suggests. By Wednesday morning, the rain will transition to showers, before a brief dry spell arrives Friday. But don’t put away the rain gear just yet—more precipitation is expected over the weekend.
Western Washington is also in for a soggy start to January. “January is, on average, one of the three wettest months of the year, and we’re very much starting off on that note,” local meteorologists reported. Showers are expected during the first half of Tuesday morning’s commute, especially around Kitsap County and the South Sound. By late morning, rain will spread into north Seattle, Bellingham, Everett, and south Whidbey. The rain will become more “showery,” or off-and-on, for the evening commute and into Wednesday and Thursday.
For those in the foothills and valleys, there’s even a chance of seeing some wintry precipitation as snow levels drop. Thursday morning could bring a dusting of sleet or slush, particularly in the valleys around Bellingham and the foothills. While not likely to cause major disruptions, it’s a reminder of just how dynamic Pacific Northwest weather can be in January.
By Friday and Saturday, the storm system is expected to wind down, offering a brief respite from the wind, rain, and snow. However, as the weekend wraps up and Sunday rolls around, forecasters predict that another round of showers will develop, with snow once again falling in the mountain passes. The snow level is forecast to rise to around 5,000 feet on Sunday and remain above pass level through Monday, providing a temporary break for travelers and skiers alike.
All the while, the freezing level has been closely monitored. On the morning of January 7, it was measured over Salem at 3,694 feet, with the snow level about 1,000 feet below that. These fluctuations play a crucial role in determining where rain turns to snow, and how much accumulation can be expected at various elevations.
For outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports lovers, the coming days could be a bonanza. Fresh powder in the Cascades means prime conditions for skiing and snowboarding, though avalanche danger and challenging travel conditions will require caution. For others, the focus will be on staying safe amid the wind and rain, keeping an eye on power outages, and navigating slick roads.
As the Pacific Northwest faces down one of its first major winter storms of 2026, officials and meteorologists alike are urging residents to stay informed, plan ahead, and respect the power of nature. With several feet of snow, strong winds, and heavy rain all converging, it’s a week that will test the region’s resilience—and perhaps provide a few memorable snow days along the way.
