March Snow Disrupts Travel, Blankets Tacoma in Rare Spring Storm
Tacoma, WA – March 16, 2026 – Rare March snow and a powerful storm system brought icy roads, flight delays, and wintry scenes across Tacoma.
Rare March Snow Hits Tacoma
A powerful mid-March storm swept through Western Washington over the weekend, delivering a rare round of lowland snow to Tacoma and nearby communities.
Light accumulations began appearing across the city on March 13. As temperatures dipped overnight, untreated roads and neighborhood streets turned slick during the morning commutes on March 14 and March 15. While snowfall totals in Tacoma remained modest, the timing — late in the winter season — caught many drivers off guard.
For a city that typically sees rain in March, even a light coating of snow was enough to slow traffic and prompt cautious driving across the South Sound.
Sea-Tac Delays Ripple South
The broader storm system had a much wider reach. Snow and icy conditions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations between March 15 and early March 16. Hundreds of flights were affected, disrupting travel plans for passengers throughout the region.
Travel challenges extended beyond the airport. Mountain passes saw heavier snowfall and temporary closures, complicating trips for Tacoma residents heading east. The combination of lowland snow and mountain impacts created a ripple effect across Western Washington’s transportation network.
Community Snow Day Moments
Despite the inconvenience, many Tacoma residents took a moment to appreciate the unusual spring scene. Across the city, neighborhood parks, cemeteries, and hillside streets were briefly dusted in white.
Photos shared over the weekend captured a quieter side of Tacoma — familiar landmarks softened by snow and early blossoms framed against a wintry backdrop. For some, it was a fleeting snow day in mid-March. For others, it was a reminder that Western Washington weather can still surprise, even as spring approaches.
What’s Next
Forecasters say the storm system is now moving out of the region. Temperatures are expected to gradually moderate through the week, though colder pockets could still see morning frost.
Drivers are encouraged to remain alert during early commutes, especially in shaded areas where lingering moisture may refreeze overnight. After a brief return to winter, Tacoma appears to be easing back toward more typical March conditions.
