How to prepare for Northwest travel, weather before Christmas

From the mountain passes to the interstates to Sea-Tac International Airport, we're keeping you one step ahead of any gridlock and potential delays.

What to expect:

Weather:

KIRO 7 Meteorologist Morgan Palmer says a weather system moving through Puget Sound and Western Washington Friday will produce pockets of lowland snow. Snow was reported in many areas already Friday morning.

Traffic:

The Washington State Department of Transportation says drivers should expect stop and go traffic going northbound from Olympia to Tacoma on I-5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

If you're leaving Tacoma going southbound, it will be congested from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can expect similar conditions on Saturday on I-5.

If you're going over Snoqualmie Pass, you're required to have traction tires. Eastbound I-90 will be backed up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Going westbound, peak travel is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you plan to use the state ferries, they are expected to be busy especially going westbound Friday, as well as on Christmas eve. Then, expect long eastbound lines on the day after Christmas.

WSDOT also expects traffic to be heavy on Monday, December 26. You can find real-time traffic and weather updates below.