A white Christmas? Could be – at least in the mountains. Forecasts call for a snowstorm to hit the mountain passes just in time for Christmas holiday travel, and travelers should plan to pack tire chains and a winter kit alongside presents before hitting the road.

Weather forecasts show a storm system moving into the mountains late Saturday, Dec. 24, into Sunday, Dec. 25. Heavy snow could hit areas above 2,500 feet, which includes all Washington’s mountains pass highways.

Travelers can prevent additional delays by driving for conditions. Collisions caused by drivers who are unprepared for winter weather cause delays for everyone. Just one traffic collision or disabled vehicle can back up traffic for miles during already-congested holiday weekends.

Washington State Department of Transportation crews and equipment are ready. Drivers should be prepared, check travel and roadway conditions on the WSDOT website and pack their winter weather supplies, including tire chains.

To give travelers a break from construction delays, work at most road construction sites around the state will move off the highway by noon Friday, Dec. 23. Drivers should be prepared for shifted lanes, detours and reduced-speed zones.

Those in the Seattle area should also remember the Seahawks remain in the playoff hunt and host the San Francisco 49ers at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, at Century Link Field. Traffic will be heavy before and after the game.

Expected traffic delays
Based on historical data, WSDOT expects traffic to be heavy at various times Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Dec. 26.

Interstate 5: Bellingham to the U.S./Canada border

Drivers can expect increased traffic northbound and southbound most of the day Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26.
WSDOT models also show lower-than-normal traffic volumes Saturday, Dec. 24, and Sunday, Dec. 25.

I-5: Olympia to Tacoma

Expect increasing northbound and southbound congestion from late morning to early evening on Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26.
During later hours Saturday, Dec. 24, expect congestion.
During early afternoon hours Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25, models show possible southbound congestion is expected
Expect heavy post-holiday shopping traffic near malls Monday, Dec. 26.

US 2: Stevens Pass

WSDOT does not expect congestion, however winter conditions could impact traffic or bring more winter sports enthusiasts to the mountains.

I-90: Snoqualmie Pass

Expect westbound congestion 3-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26.
When the Christmas and New Year’s holidays fall on a weekend, traffic historically increases nearly 40 percent compared to a typical December weekend.
Historic traffic volumes during the Christmas holiday are 12 percent lower than Thanksgiving.
Visit the Snoqualmie Mountain Pass Web page for real-time travel information and traffic cameras.
Know before you go