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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Tips for winter driving Winter driving, especially over the mountain passes, can be dangerous. Experts recommend being prepared and carrying an emergency kit including: · Cell phone · Warning devices such as flares · First aid kit · Flashlight · Nonperishable food and water · Blankets and warm clothing · Jumper cables · Sand or cat litter and a shovel if you get stuck · Ice scraper · Tire chains Source: AAA of Washington   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Saturday, November 14, 2009 Expect wintry roads at passes, dusting of snow on Snohomish County hills By Jackson Holtz Herald Writer As much of a foot of snow was expected to fall at Stevens Pass overnight and cold temperatures were likely to bring snow all the way down to the hilltops of Snohomish County. The snap of winter weather was expected to ease later today, but more rain was expected tonight and through next week. The bad weather already has caused treacherous driving conditions. Officials also are warning people to be ready for floods. New snow also gave hope to skiers. Nearly three feet of snow has piled up at the base of Stevens Pass. Officials at the ski resort said this weekend's accumulations could help the ski resort open soon. Crystal Mountain at Mount Rainier and the Mount Baker Ski Area both opened recently. Still, anyone driving over the pass needs to remember that winter driving demands extra attention. “Drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions,” Washington State Patrol trooper Keith Leary said. “It is far more difficult to control a vehicle on an icy or snow-covered road than a dry or wet road. This issue compounds the faster you're driving.” Snow and ice caused the highway over Snoqualmie Pass to close for hours Friday morning. Traction tires were advised over Stevens Pass on Friday afternoon, according to the state Department of Transportation. A strong convergence zone was expected to set up over parts of the county late Friday, said Johnny Burg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. That's where winds that whip around the Olympic Peninsula meet up, often creating an unpredictable weather pattern that can bring additional precipitation. The convergence zone could result in snowfall as low as 500 feet, but the snow likely won't stick, Burg said. “It's probably going to melt away,” he said. Heavy rain early next week may bring flooding concerns to some parts of Western Washington, but rivers that flow off the Cascades do not appear at risk, forecasters said. Still, this is the time of year when floods occur, and it's best to be prepared. “That's something people should pay attention to,” Burg said. Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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