Fresh snow in the passes this weekend could snarl traffic for those planning to spend Christmas on the other side of the Cascade Mountains.
The National Weather Service was forecasting up to 11 inches of new snow in the hills Friday night and today, with the snow level dipping to 1,500 feet. Rain is expected through Monday across the Puget Sound region’s lowlands, with the possibility of more snow in the hills Sunday night.
People planning to drive over Stevens or Snoqualmie passes should plan on leaving Sunday morning to avoid the brunt of the weather, Washington State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Alice Fiman said.
“We want everyone to get where they’re going safely,” Fiman said.
Heavy traffic on I-5 is expected during daytime hours through Tuesday. Traffic on U.S. 2 and over Stevens Pass is predicted to double next week as skiers and tourists head for the hills, Fiman said.
Before heading over the passes, people should fill their gas tanks and check their vehicles’ fluid levels, battery power, windshield wiper blades and lights. Travelers also should charge their cell phones and pack blankets, warm clothes, food and water in case of emergencies, according to the transportation department’s Web site.
People who don’t usually drive through snow should make sure they are prepared, including carrying chains for their vehicles.
Chain installers along the highway usually charge $25 to put chains on a vehicle or $25 per tire for semi-trucks.
The Washington State Patrol will have extra troopers on duty through the holidays to keep an eye out for drunken drivers. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is paying for the patrol’s extra overtime shifts, trooper Kirk Rudeen said.
Troopers on Friday were investigating a traffic death in Snohomish County that they suspected was linked to alcohol consumption, Rudeen said.
“This time of year, people too often overindulge, and a lot of the time it leads to needless tragedy,” he said.
Sea-Tac Airport isn’t expected to be as busy as it usually is around Christmas, airport spokesman Bob Parker said. People should plan on arriving to the airport two hours before their flights leave.
Wrapped presents should not be taken through security checkpoints, Parker said. Travelers should check the Transportation Security Administration’s Web site for information on what they’re allowed to carry onto airplanes, he said.
New for his year: Snow globes can no longer be stored in carry-on baggage, the administration’s Web site said.
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