Truckers will hit Northwest snowstorms this weekend (with forecast video)

More than 2 feet of snowfall likely in some spots

(Photo: WSDOT)

Now that the nor’easter has moved into the Atlantic, focus shifts to the other side of the country. Truckers will run into periods of heavy snowfall across the region through next Monday or Tuesday.

Several Pacific storm systems will move onshore into the Pacific Northwest over the next several days, producing heavy snowfall and gusty winds in the higher elevations. While the snowfall will be significant enough to cause some disruptions to local and regional supply chains, snow levels will not be low enough to cause major impacts.

https://vimeo.com/492461326

The first of several storms, which began Tuesday, is winding down. The next system will get cranking Friday afternoon, fading late Friday night. The next storm will begin by Saturday afternoon, diminishing late Sunday night or Monday.

When all is said and done, snowfall totals will range from 10 to 30 inches at higher elevations. However, more than 30 inches could pile up on the tallest peaks. Lookout and Snoqualmie passes on Interstate 90 are in the potential impact zone, as well as Stevens Pass on U.S. Highway 2. Blowing snow will lead to reduced visibility at times.

Meanwhile, down below, heavy rainfall could cause flooding in some lower elevations along the Interstate 5 and U.S. Highway 101 corridors in Washington,. Look for totals of 2 to 5 inches through early next week, including Seattle. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for these areas.

Other notable weekend weather

Watch out for periods of extremely high winds Friday afternoon through Sunday in Montana. From Browning and Heart Butte along the Rocky Mountain Front, to Helena and Great Falls on Interstate 15, in addition to Havre on U.S. Highway 2, gusts will reach 60 to 70 mph. The risk of rollovers will be elevated, especially for drivers who are deadheading (carrying empty trailers) or hauling light loads.

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Nick Austin

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
AI

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post • Chicago, IL
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • The Old Post • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now