A significant winter storm is set to impact the Cascade Mountains, bringing with it heavy snowfall and challenging travel conditions for motorists navigating the mountain passes. From Tuesday through Thursday, the region is expecting an accumulation of 2 to 4 feet of new snow, alongside wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. In response to these anticipated conditions, a winter storm warning has been issued for the Cascade Mountains.
Truck driver Joe Saulnier, who has been on the road for 25 years, shared his experiences with KOMO News while traveling from Kennewick to Kent. He recounted seeing several cars spin out and getting stuck, advising, “The sign says chain up, so we pull over and put chains on.” By noon, a line of vehicles was already forming in the chain-up area on I-90 at Keechelus Lake, a testament to the treacherous driving conditions.
Summer Derrey, an assistant communications manager with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), noted that the primary cause for shutdowns on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass is due to vehicles spinning out. Despite the hazardous conditions for drivers, the storm is being welcomed by winter sports enthusiasts. Rob Peters from Issaquah expressed his excitement, stating, “This is so great to feel real winter.”
WSDOT is actively responding to the situation by reallocating resources to areas most affected by the storm. They advise drivers to check live cameras and current pass conditions before heading out into the mountains, ensuring safety during this winter weather event. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining safety on the roads and allowing everyone to enjoy the winter landscape.