Winter Weather Impacting Travel on I-90 in Washington State

News Summary

Washington State is bracing for a winter storm affecting travel along I-90, particularly over Snoqualmie Pass. With forecasts predicting several inches of snow and a mix of rain, drivers are advised to exercise caution and be prepared for challenging road conditions. Recent accidents due to spinouts have already led to lane closures, prompting the Washington Department of Transportation to remind travelers to check road conditions and carry tire chains. As winter settles in, staying informed will be crucial for safe travel this weekend.

Winter Woes in Washington State: I-90 Bogs Down Amid Fresh Snow and Rain!

Folks in Washington State, especially those around the picturesque mountains, are gearing up for a chilly weekend! If you’re traveling along Interstate 90 this week, especially over Snoqualmie Pass, you might want to read on—there’s a bit of a winter wonderland situation unfolding!

Accident Alerts: Spinouts Lead to Eastbound Lane Closure

Early Thursday morning, a truck lost control and ended up spinning out of control, blocking the eastbound lanes of I-90. Thankfully, this hiccup lasted just about 30 minutes, but it set the tone for a weekend filled with challenging driving conditions. The slick roads that caused the spinout are projected to worsen over the weekend, with our friendly neighborhood meteorologists warning about a mix of rain and snow.

A Snowy Forecast for the Coming Days

If you’re planning to hit the roads for a weekend adventure, brace yourself! Snow is predicted to be falling in the mountains throughout the weekend. According to updates, substantial snowfall is on the horizon, with forecasts indicating a potential 4 to 5 inches in the Snoqualmie Pass area, while Stevens Pass could see even more—around 5 to 7 inches. For those nearer to Blewett Pass, expect about 2 to 3 inches to blanket the roads.

It seems like winter is officially settling into Washington State! As snow levels rise, there could be a rain-snow mix at Snoqualmie Pass, particularly on Saturday. This could make for some dicey driving conditions, so everyone should stay alert!

Road Conditions: Travel Safely!

The Washington Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to check the current road conditions and weather updates before heading out. They’re also emphasizing the importance of having tire chains handy during these winter months. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when the weather takes a turn!

As if that weren’t enough to get drivers concerned, Snoqualmie Pass has experienced multiple lane closures not just recently but also earlier in the week due to spinouts and other accidents caused by hazardous conditions. As you can imagine, with this kind of winter craziness, the roads are seeing some serious action!

What’s Coming Up: Plans for the New Year?

Anticipating what’s ahead for your weekend plans and the upcoming New Year? Be mindful that by Sunday, snow is expected to return to the Snoqualmie area. In the Columbia Basin, rain is anticipated to make its debut Friday night, but don’t worry; Saturday holds the promise of a partly sunny day before wet weather returns, just in time for the second half of your weekend. On Monday, we can expect testy blue skies—at least for a day—before rain comes tumbling back in for New Year’s Eve celebrations, continuing into New Year’s Day.

Stay Updated!

With the potential for rapidly changing conditions, it’s essential to stay informed. Travelers are encouraged to check the real-time travel map for up-to-date information on road closures and delays. Utilizing the specialized maps that provide details for individual mountain passes—complete with traffic camera feeds—will ensure you stay ahead of the game!

In summary, winter has truly made its mark on Washington State this week, with rain and snowfall affecting travel plans. If you venture out, keep those winter essentials in check, and drive safely, folks! Whether you’re heading to your favorite mountain ski spot or simply trying to get home, let’s make sure everyone remains safe and warm this winter season!