Date:  Thursday, December 11, 2008

Contact: Rick Sjolander, WSDOT Maintenance & Operations, (360) 905-2020 (Vancouver)
Melanie Coon, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

VANCOUVER – Drivers from Raymond to Vancouver, Chehalis to Goldendale and all points in between need to prepare for their first blast of winter weather Friday.

Forecasts indicate ice and snow in most areas above 1,000 feet, with mountain pass highways hardest hit. The weather could continue through the weekend and into next week.

“We are checking the forecasts and moving crews and materials to what we believe will be the hardest-hit areas,” said WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond. “But the weather experts tell us pockets of snow can develop at the last minute and all drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions.”

WSDOT offers information about its winter road-clearing activities, tips for preparing your car for winter, and winter driving advice at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.

To protect drivers and recreational users, WSDOT has closed SR 410 (Chinook Pass) and SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) and is closing SR 20/North Cascades Highway at midnight. Crews will evaluate the roadways Monday. Read more at www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/.

Forecasts indicate much of the state will see its first hit of winter weather, but winter in the mountains means any day could bring strong winds, poor visibility, ice, and snow on the roadway. 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.

Drivers in WSDOT’s Southwest Region, which includes the counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania and Wahkiakum, could face a variety of hazards during this storm. Strong winds are predicted for coastal areas, and storm surge may cause beach highway erosion and minor flooding. Along the I-5 corridor, urban snow and ice may impede traffic and cause back ups. US 12 White Pass could be one of the hardest-hit passes in the state, with moderate to heavy snowfall predicted. Finally, drivers in the eastern portion of the region may experience heavy snow and icy roads through the Columbia River Gorge and north to Yakima. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, WSDOT recommends delaying travel, at least until the worst has passed.

Here’s what drivers can do:

• On ice and snow, take it slow.
• Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. It's not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to save time.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all have potential to develop black ice that makes driving hazardous.
• Plan extra time to cross all mountain passes, including heavily-traveled routes such as I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, US 2 Stevens Pass, and US 12 White Pass.
• Carry chains and know the traction and chain requirements - Mountain pass traction and chain requirements are available on highway advisory signs and highway advisory radio. When those advisories call for chains, drivers who don't chain up will face a $500 penalty.

Know before you go:

• Get information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
• 5-1-1 – This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.

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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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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