Seattle Braces for Major Snowstorm

Forecasters predict up to 12 inches of snow in the Puget Sound region this weekend.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:19am

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Seattle metropolitan area, with forecasters predicting up to 12 inches of snow to fall over the course of the next 48 hours. This would be the largest snowfall event in the region since 2008.

Why it matters

A major snowstorm of this magnitude could cause widespread power outages, school and business closures, and dangerous driving conditions across the Puget Sound region. Seattle's infrastructure and transportation systems are not well-equipped to handle heavy snowfall, so this storm has the potential to significantly disrupt daily life for many residents.

The details

The storm system is expected to move in from the Pacific Northwest on Friday afternoon, bringing heavy, wet snow that could accumulate quickly. Winds of up to 30 mph are also forecast, which could lead to downed trees and power lines. The Washington Department of Transportation is preparing by pre-treating major highways and deploying additional plows and salt trucks.

  • The winter storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday, March 27 to 4 a.m. Sunday, March 29.
  • Forecasters predict the heaviest snowfall will occur between 8 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

Washington Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Washington's transportation infrastructure, including highways, roads, and bridges.

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What they’re saying

“This storm has the potential to be one of the most significant snowfall events we've seen in the Seattle area in over a decade. Residents should prepare for dangerous driving conditions and potential power outages.”

— Ted Buehner, Meteorologist, National Weather Service

“Our crews have been working around the clock to pre-treat the roads and get our plows and salt trucks ready. We're urging everyone to avoid unnecessary travel this weekend if possible.”

— Emily Glad, Spokesperson, Washington Department of Transportation

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates on snowfall totals and potential impacts. The Washington Department of Transportation will adjust its response as needed based on the evolving weather conditions.

The takeaway

This major snowstorm serves as a reminder that Seattle's infrastructure and transportation systems are not well-equipped to handle heavy snow, and residents should take precautions and prepare for potential disruptions to their daily routines.