Winter Storm Warnings in Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma sits in the rain shadow of the Olympics and along Puget Sound's moderating marine influence, which keeps winters notably mild compared to much of the country. Averaged across 13 years of data spanning 2012 through 2024, the city receives roughly 9.8 inches (25.0 cm) of snow per year — and even that modest figure tends to arrive in a handful of concentrated events rather than steady accumulation. When snow does fall, it most commonly arrives in February, December, or January, in that order.
Truly heavy snow days — those intense enough to qualify as significant weather events — average out to about one every ten years in Tacoma. Average winter overnight lows hover near 35.2 °F (1.8 °C), meaning precipitation frequently falls as rain or freezing rain rather than snow, and accumulations that do occur often melt within a day or two.
A winter storm warning issued for the Tacoma area signals that conditions are expected to be genuinely disruptive — think significant snow accumulation, dangerous ice, or both. It's worth noting that the National Weather Service sets warning thresholds region by region. The snowfall amount that triggers a warning here may be far lower than what would warrant the same alert in the Midwest or Mountain West, precisely because Tacoma's infrastructure and drivers are unaccustomed to wintry roads.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 9.8 in (25 cm) |
| Snowiest months | February, December, January |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 35.2°F (1.8°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0.1 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Tacoma within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Tacoma winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Tacoma right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Tacoma, Washington. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Tacoma get winter storm warnings often?
Tacoma sees moderate snowfall in a typical winter, with winter storm warnings during the stronger systems. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Tacoma?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Tacoma?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Washington authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Seattle, WA
- Winter storm warning in Bellingham, WA
- Winter storm warning in Portland, OR
- Winter storm warning in Yakima, WA
- Winter storm warning in Salem, OR
- Winter storm warning in Eugene, OR
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.