Date:  Thursday, December 18, 2008

Contact: Al Gilson, Public Information Officer, (509) 324-6015

SPOKANE - Heavy snow continued to fall in most areas of Eastern Washington, the Spokane metropolitan area, and the Pullman vicinity overnight and into this morning.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews have been out on the highways in full force 24 hours a day since the storm began early yesterday. They continue to plow and sand. But with the heavy accumulation and the very cold temperatures, it has been difficult.

Drivers should be prepared, carry chains, slow down and give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all have potential to develop black ice that makes driving hazardous.

All state highways in Spokane, Whitman, Lincoln, Adams, Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille County have compact snow and ice, or loose snow on the roadway surface.

“Every piece of equipment is out on the road and our maintenance team is working hard to get the deep snow off the highways,” said Keith Metcalf, WSDOT Eastern Region administrator. “We are asking drivers to avoid unnecessary travel. If you do have to drive, use extreme caution and be prepared for extreme winter conditions.”

Over the next 24 hours, there is a possibility that the winds may increase across Eastern Washington. If this occurs, there could be blowing and drifting snow in many areas, especially in Adams, Lincoln, Spokane, and Whitman counties. These conditions could require the WSDOT close some highway sections until the wind subsides and the roadways can be cleared.

Under Washington law, RCW 47.48.040, the white sign with black lettering “Road Closed” marks a location where all private and commercial vehicle traffic is restricted. Only official law enforcement, authorized emergency services, or WSDOT vehicles are permitted to pass. Residents inside the closure would need to contact the Washington State Patrol or WSDOT for access. When roads are closed, they are not patrolled. Drivers that violate a road closure could become stranded.

The WSDOT reminds motorists to drive safely and observe any emergency road closures, for their own safety and the safety of WSDOT crews.

Drivers are urged to check weather and road conditions prior to travel.

Real-time traffic information and weather is available online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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