A rare blizzard warning has been issued for the Cascades between northern Oregon and southern Washington, as a major snowstorm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to the region. The National Weather Service has issued a warning for whiteout driving conditions, with poor visibility and rapid snow accumulation of up to 2 inches per hour. The warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the forecast, the upcoming blizzard may dump several feet of snow across local mountain passes by Wednesday afternoon, making travel extremely dangerous. The NWS warns that even experienced drivers should exercise caution and that the heavy snow and strong winds could lead to power outages due to fallen tree limbs.

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Kelley Bayern predicts that Mount Hood could see 2 to 4 feet of snow and winds of 50 to 70 mph within the next 48 hours. In anticipation of the severe weather, Bayern suggests that resorts may limit or suspend operations on Tuesday.

Due to the hazardous conditions, authorities strongly advise drivers to avoid travel through mountain passes during this time, unless it is absolutely necessary. Those who do need to travel through the Cascades between Tuesday and Wednesday are urged to carry emergency supplies.

The Cascades region is bracing for the heaviest snowfall of the season, with potentially significant impacts on transportation and infrastructure. The snowstorm is expected to bring increasingly cold and windy conditions, making outdoor activities hazardous for those who are unprepared.

As the blizzard warning looms over the region, residents and travelers are urged to stay updated on the latest weather updates and advisories to ensure their safety.