The snowstorms that hit most areas around the state were supposed to visit both the Central Puget Sound and Vancouver areas later Thursday.
Drivers in most areas of Washington have been dealing with winter weather since early this morning, with compact snow and ice reported on highways across Washington.
Drivers should prepare for winter driving conditions. WSDOT will have trucks out treating and clearing roadways during this winter blast. Forecasts predict temperatures below freezing for most of the state through the Christmas holiday, with heavy snow and winds in the mountain passes and throughout Eastern Washington.
Drivers who are ready for the weather and drive safely help WSDOT and themselves. One spin-out can block traffic for hours and cause additional incidents. And, clearing incidents can also take our crews away from road-clearing activities.
“We have all of our trucks on the road and appreciate all the drivers who made the decision to limit trips today,” said WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond. “This helps us clear the roads faster and get them ready for those who do need to travel.”
The WSDOT Web site and 5-1-1 travel information hotline have experienced significant use today, and with the weather expected in Seattle this afternoon and evening, these travel information tools could experience slowdowns. The 5-1-1 system can currently handle 192 simultaneous callers so users are encouraged to keep trying.
WSDOT will switch to a more basic Web site if usage remains high, maintaining the travel information, roadway cameras, WSDOT blog and Twitter updates. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/news to sign up for the WSDOT blog and Twitter updates.
Drivers should be prepared, carry chains, slow down and give yourself 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 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. 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. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov and click the link for “E-mail updates.”
•Twitter users can add WSDOT to their personal accounts at: http://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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