First snowfall of the season hits mountain passes and highways

STEVENS PASS - The first significant snowfall of the season brought snow to the higher mountain passes and highways on Sunday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Mount Baker, Hurricane Ridge, Paradise, Stevens Pass, White Pass, Rainy Pass, Chinook Pass until 11 a.m. PST Monday.

The new snowfall brought hope and smiles to the faces of skiers, eager to hit the slopes after last season's poor ski season.

Travelers on the roads should be prepared for slippery roads, poor visibility and possible delays on the higher mountain passes, the National Weather Service reported.

Snow accumulations through Sunday into Monday morning could range from 3 inches to 12 inches from Hurricane Ridge to Paradise, on Mount Rainier.

Studded tires are legal for Washington state motorists beginning today, November 1st, the Washington State Patrol said.