Date:
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Contact:
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 600-2081
VANCOUVER – WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) crews continue to monitor temperatures and road conditions in Southwest Washington. Crews have been working around the clock to keep highways clear, but warn motorists that ice continues to be a possibility throughout the night and through tomorrow. With snow subsiding, the Southwest Region Emergency Operations Center which was activated at 12 a.m. this morning will be deactivated at 5:00 p.m. this evening.
Forecasts indicate drivers can expect snow and ice on roadways tonight and tomorrow. WSDOT urges motorists to delay or alter travel times if possible.
Crews continue with winter schedules and have been preparing for the next storm which may bring snow and ice to Southwest Washington.
What can drivers do?
• In areas where snow and ice is at its worst, don’t travel if you don’t need to.
• If you do have to drive, prepare your car for winter driving and plan for additional time in your car. Fill your gas tank, stock your car with basic safety equipment, and keep extra supplies, such as a blanket and food on hand.
• Drive for winter conditions. Drivers should slow down and keep extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Carry snow chains and be familiar with how to put them on your tires.
• If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.
How can motorists find the latest information on the highways they plan to travel?
• Check the web before you head out to get an accurate picture of conditions. www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/
• Drivers can go to our Highway Weather Update web page for the most updated information on all roads across Washington State: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/updates
• Drivers can call 5-1-1 from any phone to get timely updates on the road. If you’re on the road, have a passenger call 5-1-1 to get timely updates on the road. You can also view our traffic page, including mountain pass reports, on your cell phone or PDA’s
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