Ice Storm — Tacoma Area, Washington

2022-12-23 · Tacoma Area, Washington

Event narrative

Numerous reports on social media confirmed the presence of a dangerous ice storm around the Tacoma area. Reports included: 0.2 inches measured in Auburn, 0.25 inches around Tacoma, Lakewood, and Gig Harbor.

Wider weather episode

After a series of snow events in the lowlands and mountains of western Washington, a system off the Pacific brought a modifying airmass towards the area right before the Christmas holiday. Warmer Pacific air was able to overrun lingering cold air very near the surface, producing a warm layer of classic characteristic of a freezing rain profile. As such, measurable ice accumulation led to hazardous impacts across the area, most noticeably to roadways and travel.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1073546. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.