Fall storm creates icy driving conditions

SEATTLE - Falling temperatures and falling snow made for slippery roads this morning.

What the Washington State Patrol described a crash-up derby began around 6:30 a.m. on the King-Snohomish County line.

Road crews had to shut down the ramp from Northbound 405 to State Route 525 for nearly three hours.

Even SUV's couldn't hold the icy curves of 405 and 525, flipping into the median, or crashing into guard rails. Troopers responded to more to around two dozen collisions in less than 90 minutes.

Tow truck driver Mike Lewis never had a morning like this.

“A car came up right next to me and started spinning out, and went right into the barrier," he said.

Even with salt trucks out in force, WSDOT closed the ramp from Northbound 405 to State Route 525.

Early rain turned to ice and the quick freeze outpaced resources and accidents clogged the highway.

Some drivers in the ditch even felt lucky.

“We didn't flip like other cars. I think a lot of other cars got it worse. We just hit," said Lyanne Hernandez.

A pickup truck ran into a sanding truck, slowing the response even more.

The State Patrol said drivers need to slow down in icy conditions. Troopers handling accidents stood in harm's way.

“They've got to give us that room,” said Trooper Keith Leary.

Two State Patrol squads were hit when an Excursion pin-balled down 525. Both were totaled. 

“We've got a sergeant and trooper that we're responding to collisions that are suddenly out of service," said Leary.

Both will be okay. But troopers say the first ice of the season reinforced a lasting lesson, slow down or go home on the back of tow truck.

“This is a bad morning - good morning for us, but bad for everyone else," said tow truck driver Mike Lewis.

A motorcyclist suffered a serious leg injury when his bike slide out from under him. No other serious injuries were reported.

A cold front that moved through Western Washington Friday brought wind, rain and several inches of snow to the Olympics and Cascades.

Forecasters expected the snow level to fall to 1,000 feet Friday night, bringing the chance of snow to the Cascade foothills. But by Friday afternoon rush hour, snow was already falling in some areas around Puget Sound, including Everett.

While today will be mostly dry, temperatures will be on the cool side, with highs in the 40s.

Rain will approach the coast my mid to late afternoon today, right along with some fairly gusty winds in places.  Expect gusts up to 50 mph in Whatcom and San Juan counties, as well as along the coast. Showers will continue on Sunday with highs back into the 50s, then mostly breezy, rainy weather into next week in Western Washington.

In Eastern Washington, today should be partly sunny and cool then a chance or rain and snow showers into next week.