EVERETT, Wash. — Drivers in the north Puget Sound area had to contend with snow and ice on the morning commute Tuesday after a convergence zone set up dropping a wintery mix of precipitation between Mount Vernon and Everett.
KING 5 reported snow and slush on the roadways early Tuesday morning in Everett. Below-freezing temperatures mean ice and slush lingered into peak driving hours for many. People were advised to give themselves extra time to get to work, increase their following distance between themselves and other cars and take it slowly.
Icy roads may be a particular concern into east King County along Highway 2 between Sultan and Index and moving westward into Whidbey and Camano Islands, however, drivers in the whole Puget Sound area should be careful of black ice.
Conditions led to some school closures and delays in the north Puget Sound region.
Mountain pass travel amid heavy snowfall
Over a foot of snow fell in the Cascade mountain passes between Sunday and Tuesday morning, and more is expected to fall as the day continues.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is continuously plowing and de-icing the roadway on Snoqualmie Pass, but drivers should still be sure to pack tire chains and keep an eye on road conditions if they are planning to make a trip across any of the mountain passes.
Both Snoqualmie Pass and State Route 18 closed for a time on Monday due to collisions. The pass is currently open in both directions.
Check mountain passes
Here is what WSDOT suggests drivers pack in their emergency drive kit when traveling in hazardous weather:
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Blanket
- Snacks
- Water
- Gloves
- Boots
- First-aid kit
- Tire chains
- Ice scraper/snowbrush
- Jumper cables
- Road flares