Urgent Yakima Valley Snow & Winter Prep Checklist – The 1st Day of Snow Is Almost Here

Get ahead of the upcoming snow forecast by using these urgent tips to make sure you, your home, car, and pets are safe and comfy this winter in the Yakima Valley. Weather experts say our first snow day is on its way before the end of the month! (I've included the date we can expect the first day of snow at the end of this article.)

I'm not saying we have it as bad as the Midwest does in the wintertime, but for many of us, the harsh winter weather of the Yakima Valley means frozen toes, ears, and fingers plus random power outages and slippery road driving conditions.

Your Complete Yakima Valley Snow Preparation Guide

I know from firsthand experience that there's nothing worse than driving in a cold car and the heat doesn't work! There are other havocs that can occur during the wintertime. What should you do right now to get your prepped for the impending winter weather?

I've got some important tips and reminders to prep yourself for the upcoming snow days.

HOME

• Seal off windows and doors
• Have an emergency power station in case the electricity goes out
• Stock up on non-perishable goods (in case the electricity goes out)
• Blankets: Fleece and/or heated pads
• Get some melting salt for your sidewalks and driveways

CAR

• Check tire pressure
• Get new winter tires if you need some
• Check your antifreeze levels
• Keep snow tire chains in the trunk if you plan to travel over the passes
• Have spare blankets in the trunk
• Get your air conditioning inspected so that your heat will come on this winter
• Spray your windshields with anti-fog spray (I've heard this one is supposed to be good)

CLOTHING

• Break out the winter coats, fleece jackets, flannel shirts and jammies
• Organize your winter hats, gloves, ear warmers/earmuffs, and scarves
• Find some comfortable winter boots and winter shoes

PETS

• Get your pet a winter sweater if they tend to shiver in the cold
• Make sure your doghouse is well insulated so that your doggie doesn't freeze out there all by its lonesome.

Read More: The Incredible American Athletes Gearing Up for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics

Check Up on Your Neighbors

Two final tips for you: Make sure that you and your closest neighbors have a plan in case the weather turns rough and power goes out in the neighborhood. If you are planning on being out of town for a few days, have a neighbor or friend stop by your place to make sure no one has broken into it.

When to Expect the First Snowfall of Winter 2025

According to The Weather Channel, the Yakima Valley should expect to see the first snowfall on November 30th - that's the last day of the month!