Heavy Snow — Yakima Valley, Washington

2019-02-04 to 2019-02-05 · Yakima Valley, Washington

Event narrative

One person was killed (indirect) and another injured (indirect) in a six vehicle crash on Interstate 82 three miles north of Selah. The cars were traveling east along the interstate during a snow storm and ran into each other as the drivers attempted to slow for an accident ahead.

Wider weather episode

A pair of storm systems brought significant snow to all elevations on the 3rd and 4th of February. Wraparound moisture from the first system brought 8 to 12 inches of snow to the Blue Mountains. Initial precipitation with the second system combined with lingering wraparound moisture brought between 3 and 13 inches to all elevations on the 4th of February. Over 200 accidents were reported due to slippery conditions. Interstate 82 between Yakima and Ellensburg was closed for an hour to clear multiple accidents.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 795576. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.