Date:
Monday, January 14, 2008
Contact:
Erin Bogenschutz, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
Alice Fiman, WSODT Communications, 360-705-7080 (Olympia)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications, 509-728-4712 (Snoqualmie Pass)
Black ice and lowland snow predicted in Puget Sound; Heavy snow predicted for mountain passes
Last updated: Monday, January 15, 2008 5 a.m.
SEATTLE – Early morning commuters north and east of Seattle are waking up to black ice and snow on the roads.
A fast moving storm hit western Washington late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. Temperatures have dropped into the lower 30’s and upper 20’s and bringing some snow and ice in north King County and into Snohomish County.
If there is ice on your windshield this morning, it’s a good indicator that there will also be ice on the roads. Black ice is difficult for drivers to see, especially in the early morning hours, and brings a large potential for spin-outs and collisions.
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 condition.
Once the system clears the Puget Sound region, it will continue to the east and hammer the mountain passes with more snow, where crews have been battling snow almost non stop for weeks. Crews are preparing for five to seven inches of accumulation overnight.
December saw the fourth highest snowfall total in nearly 60 years at Snoqualmie Pass. Of the 172 inches of snow that accumulated, 114 inches fell in the last two weeks of the month.
WSDOT crews were out in full force all night applying deicer and plowing as necessary. Crews are now shifting their focus to the secondary routes and ramps.
WSDOT advises drivers to “know before you go” and check weather reports, traffic conditions on the WSDOT Web site and pay close attention to air temperatures.
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 http://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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