Storm targets Washington state — drivers beware

Drivers from Sekiu to Spokane, Vancouver to Bellingham and all points in between need to prepare for the first blast of winter weather Friday.

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

"We are checking the forecasts and moving crews and materials to where we believe will be the hardest-hit areas," said WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond. "But the weather experts tell us pockets of snow and ice 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.

WSDOT has closed SR 410 (Chinook Pass) and SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) and is closing SR 20 North Cascades Highway at midnight to protect drivers and recreational users. Crews will evaluate the roadways Monday. Read more at www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/. Rain and high winds (40-60 mph and perhaps higher) are expected to arrive easterly through the Northwest Washington Coast on Friday afternoon. This could result in ferry, Hood Canal Bridge and SR 520 service impacts during the Friday afternoon commute and evening period.

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 also can take our crews away from road-clearing activities.

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, U.S. 2 Stevens Pass, and U.S. 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.

• 511 - This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.

• Sign up for news. WSDOT offers subscribers more than 25 specialized e-mail alerts, including news and information for freight haulers, construction related traffic revisions, project updates from all around the state, and timely updates on pass conditions. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov and click the link for "E-mail updates."

• Twitter users can add WSDOT to their personal accounts at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/. Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform/twitter for more details.

On the road:

• Overhead and roadside electronic signs

• Highway advisory radio - WSDOT advises drivers to program 530 AM and 1610 AM 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 511.

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