First 'Significant' Snow Will Fall Thursday In Cascades

ISSAQUAH, WA - It seems like just a few weeks ago Western Washington was blanketed by wildfire smoke and steeped in 90-degree heat. Today, we're getting the first significant snowstorm of the 2017-2018 season, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow will begin falling today at elevations around 3,500 feet with 4 to 6 inches expected. Those totals are for the Cascades in Pierce and Lewis counties. In the King and Snohomish county stretches of the Cascades, the National Weather Service has issued a "hazardous weather statement."

"A vigorous cold storm system will spread mountain snow over the region this afternoon and tonight. Accumulations of snow on high elevation roads will make driving slippery and hazardous," the statement says.

WSDOT reported early Thursday that snow was falling at White and Snoqualmie passes. If you're headed over Snoqualmie Pass today, expect slushy and wet conditions.

Meanwhile, there's a "freeze warning" in effect for the Yakima area south to Oregon with temperatures expected to drop into the 20s and 30s.

Image via National Weather Service