Seattle, WA — November 22, 2025
Seattle residents and weather enthusiasts are looking back today at one of the most powerful early-season snowstorms in the city’s history. Exactly 40 years ago, on November 22, 1985, an intense burst of winter weather swept across the region, dropping heavy snow and bringing the city to a standstill.
According to the Seattle Weather Blog, which highlighted the anniversary in a post this morning, the storm is “arguably the greatest November snowstorm in Seattle history.” The system delivered unusually heavy snowfall for the month, catching many residents off guard and marking one of the earliest major winter events on record for the area.
The 1985 storm is still remembered for its rapid accumulation, widespread disruption, and the way it signaled an early and memorable start to winter. As Seattle faces increasingly unpredictable seasonal patterns, today’s anniversary serves as both a historical reflection and a reminder of the region’s capacity for dramatic weather swings.
40 years ago, it was snowing hard as arguably the greatest November snowstorm in Seattle history walloped the city. ❄️❄️❄️
— Seattle Weather Blog (@KSeattleWeather) November 22, 2025