Rain is forecast for tonight and as the seasons change police are warning drivers to slow down on slick roads.
Collisions increase during fall and winter months as a result of the changing conditions, said trooper Kirk Rudeen, a Washington State Patrol spokesman.
“Most are due to people driving too fast for the weather conditions or by following too closely and not being able to stop in time,” he said.
This is the time of year when drivers should inspect tire treads, ensure wipers are working and check for changing weather, especially in the mountain passes, Rudeen said.
Police around Snohomish County were busy the past week responding to multiple crashes. Many were weather-related, Rudeen said.
Fall officially begins Sunday, the date of the autumnal equinox, but leaves already are falling from trees and there have been several rainy, colder days.
“We can still have nice days,” National Weather Service meteorologist Johnny Burg said. “But we’re definitely getting some fall weather.”
The chance of rain is forecast to increase overnight and then taper off by Sunday, he said.
Fall patterns of continuous cloudy, drizzle and cold weather typically build by next month, Burg said.
“By mid-October the waterworks is turned on,” Burg said.
Still, there is some hope for sunshine.
“We might see one or two good days before people lock themselves into their houses and watch TV for the next three or four months,” he said.
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