Winter storm bringing snow to the Cascade Range

Better throw your snow chains in the trunk if you’re heading over the pass.

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a winter storm warning for the mountains through 5 p.m. Tuesday. The forecast calls for up to a foot of snow through Tuesday morning, with heavier amounts possible between Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass.

Snow began falling this morning at Stevens Pass, said Dennis D’Amico, a weather service meteorologist in Seattle. A cool system could bring even more snow to the mountains later this week, he said. Two more storms are heading toward the mountains.

It’s common for snow to start falling in the mountains in October, D’Amico said.

The weather service is predicting a warmer, drier winter than last year, he said.

If you plan to travel to Eastern Washington, check the weather forecast first and the road conditions at 511 or 800-695-ROAD.