Date:
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications (509) 728-4712 (Snoqualmie Pass)
Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications (509) 667-2815 (Stevens Pass)
Al Gilson, WSDOT Communication, (509) 324-6015 (Spokane)
Updated 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9
OLYMPIA – Crews and drivers welcomed today’s break in the weather, with WSDOT maintenance workers using the time to get winter road equipment ready for another winter blast.
Tonight will bring more snow and ice to the area and drivers can expect more challenging conditions and delays. Most of Eastern and Central Washington are under a winter storm warning, along with the mountain pass highways. Forecasters call for snow beginning at 9 p.m. today, with six to eight inches in the mountains by morning and another 10 to 14 inches coming down during Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
With three weeks of near-constant activity, WSDOT maintenance crews and equipment welcomed the break. Crews spent the day recalibrating the snow and ice removal arsenal, getting their trucks and plows ready for a tough evening and Thursday’s blast. When the storm hits, crews will be applying de-icers, plowing and clearing snow and ice.
Today, WSDOT crews on Snoqualmie Pass noted many spin-out collisions on bare roadways. While the snow may be gone, a sudden drop in temperature freezes a bare roadway. If your car has an external temperature reading, slow down when the temperature drops near 32 degrees. Remember, ice and snow, take it slow.
And the storm tonight and early Thursday could drop snow on the higher hills in Pierce, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Forecasts call for warmer temperatures during the day Thursday to melt the snow and may bring standing water to some lower elevations.
WSDOT advises drivers to “know before you go” and check weather reports, traffic conditions on the WSDOT website and pay close attention to air temperatures.
Drivers can expect winter driving conditions on all state highways and secondary roadways. Motorists need to be prepared for these conditions at all times by carrying chains, basic safety equipment, and keep your vehicle in proper operating conditions.
For the most current traffic and travel conditions, check www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts. If you must travel through snow and ice, you can expect delays.
Drivers should also take some extra time to prepare themselves and their cars for winter travel and are encouraged to drive for conditions and carry chains. Pass conditions will likely require vehicles to use tire chains. During “chains required” conditions, Washington State Patrol will be slowing traffic to check for chains on vehicles crossing Snoqualmie pass. Avalanche closures could also delay travelers over Snoqualmie Pass or Stevens Pass.
Mountain pass conditions and chain requirements are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/
Prepare for winter driving conditions:
*On Ice and Snow Take It Slow.
*Allow more time to travel.
*Carry chains.
*Fill your gas tank prior to driving over the pass.
*Check fluid levels such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and motor oil.
*Check tire pressure, lights, battery and wiper blades.
*Keep a safe driving distance.
*Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged.
*Carry food and water in case you get delayed in a remote area.
*Turn off the cruise control.
Know Before You Go:
*On WSDOT’s updated winter Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find links to all kinds of winter driving-related information including preparing a vehicle for winter driving, a list of winter emergency kit items, safe driving tips and information on mountain pass travel advisories.
*WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic and construction information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather drivers can look at weather forecasts and road temperatures throughout the state.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, the color-coded map shows statewide traffic conditions, including construction delays and highway incidents.
*511 - This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388 while out-of-state callers can call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623)
*Drivers with Web service on their cellular phones and PDAs can access the Seattle area traffic flow map, ferry schedules, mountain pass reports at www.wsdot.wa.gov/small.
On the Road:
*Overhead and roadside electronic signs – Overhead and freeway signs provide emergency and incident alerts and, in some Seattle-area locations during rush hours, point-to-point travel times
*Highway advisory radio - Yellow signs with flashing lights alert drivers to tune into radio frequencies airing construction updates. Think about programming AM 1610 and AM 530 into your car radio.
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