Major Mountain Winter Storm Coming. High Wind Warning for Yakima!

You'd better be sure to strap on your winter wear if you're planning on traveling over the Cascade Mountains this weekend, as there is a major WINTER STORM WARNING in effect. While there is a slight chance of the white stuff here in the Yakima Valley, our likely arch-nemesis will be wind and lots of it!

There is a hazardous weather advisory for the Yakima Valley, with gusts as high as 33 miles per hour at times. If there were still any leaves on some of your trees, this big blow storm will probably do the trick. Of course, the experts always warn to be sure to secure anything that may be loose in and around your home and yard that might get caught up in the wind.

Here's what the National Weather Service forecast is for Yakima this weekend:

Saturday

Rain, mainly after 4pm. Snow level 1700 feet rising to 3000 feet in the afternoon. High near 47. West wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday Night

Rain. Low around 32. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Here's a look at what is expected in the mountains, with a focus on Snoqualmie Pass:

Saturday

Snow. High near 34. West wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Saturday Night

Snow before 10pm, then rain and snow between 10pm and 1am, then rain after 1am. Snow level rising to 3900 feet after midnight. Temperature falling to near 31 by 9pm, then rising to around 37 during the remainder of the night. Southeast wind around 9 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday

Showers. Snow level 3900 feet. High near 39. West wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Don't' forget, you can always check out our website and mobile app anytime for the latest weather and road conditions, 24/7/365.

Now would be a good time, in advance of the coming winter weather and holiday season, to stock up on the things you know you'll need: a snow shovel, ice melt, ice scrapers, winter clothing, gloves, hats, boots, and a warm coat. If you know someone who may not have the resources to acquire any of these items, it would be a nice idea, if you're able, to pick up a few extra things and share it with someone. At the very least you'd make their day and you could be saving someone's life.