Snow and ice greeted drivers in Puget Sound’s higher elevations and mountain-pass highways Thursday morning, with snow showers in much lower
elevations than early forecasts predicted. WSDOT closed I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass and a portion of SR 18 near Tiger Summit during afternoon hours due to heavy snow, spinouts and collisions. Both roadways are now open.
There could more snow to come in the overnight hours, and drivers should prepare for winter driving and possible black ice Friday morning.
And then Washington drivers can expect a quick breather before readying for the next round: a heavy storm forecast to hit the mountains and most of Eastern Washington late Saturday. Snow is also possible Saturday in Western Washington’s higher hills.
“Those on the road early Friday and late Saturday and Sunday should be prepared. Take it slow and carry chains,” said Chris Christopher, WSDOT.
director of maintenance operations. “Our crews will be out all over the state, but drivers need to plan ahead and take precautions.”
On Snoqualmie Pass, close to 20 equipment operators will work over the weekend to keep I-90 safe and open. For more on WSDOT’s winter operations visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.
Before you go, check the WSDOT Web site and local media reports. It is also important to check the mountain pass reports www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic passes/ for any scheduled road closures for avalanche control.
Drivers should be prepared, carry chains, slow down and schedule extra time to reach your destination safely. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all have potential to develop black ice that makes driving hazardous.
Know Before you go:
*Get information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
*511 – This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
Out-of-state callers can access the information at call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
*Mountain pass conditions are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find WSDOT’s winter driving-related information, including preparing a vehicle for winter driving, safe driving tips and mountain pass travel advisories. The WSDOT winter site also offers information about chains, winter tires and how WSDOT maintenance crews work in winter weather.
*On WSDOT’s website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather, drivers can look at roadway temperatures and see camera images from across the state.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, a map shows highway incidents and closures.
*Sign up for news at www.wsdot.wa.gov/emailupdates/. WSDOT offers subscribers more than 25 specialized e-mail alerts, including news and information for freight haulers, construction related traffic revisions, project updates from all around the state, and timely updates on pass conditions.
*Twitter users can add WSDOT to their personal accounts at: www.twitter.com/wsdot/. Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform/twitter for more details.
On the Road:
*Overhead and roadside electronic signs *Highway advisory radio – WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio.
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