The National Weather Service in Seattle is predicting a strong likelihood of freezing rain in Jefferson County beginning Thursday evening and stretching into Friday mid-day.
The Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management is strongly advising residents to all non-essential travel.
The area of highest concern is between 3 a.m. to noon Friday. Snow, sleet, and an ice storm is forecast for the Olympic Peninsula.
Emergency officials warn that freezing rain can create a smooth "glaze" that provides next to no traction for vehicles, and is a significant source of traffic accidents — even for vehicles equipped with four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Freezing rain can also break tree branches, which can knock down power lines. Power outages may also be possible Friday, as well as roadway closures due to tree damage.
Weather in the Olympics and elsewhere in Western Washington is predicted to be severe with heavy mixed precipitation expected and snow accumulations of up to nine inches with icel around three tenths of an inch.
The weather system is expected to start around 4 p.m. Thursday and continue through 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24.
Power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice, and official warn that travel could be nearly impossible.
For the latest road conditions in Washington state, call 511.
