Associated Press
SEATTLE — The latest winter storm brought enough snow to shut down three main mountain passes over the Cascades due to avalanche danger.
I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass was closed in both directions just before 9 p.m. Wednesday and it remained closed Thursday morning.
State transportation officials also closed Stevens Pass and Mount Baker Highway.
Officials say they’ll evaluate conditions early provide an update around 10:00 a.m.
The State Patrol said a detour for U.S. 2 was Chumstick Highway and State Route 207, but semi-trucks are prohibited.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Cascades, which could see up to two feet of new snow by Thursday morning.
An ice storm prompted numerous school districts in the Spokane region to close.
Hundreds of people are also without power on Thursday morning in Spokane as ice coats the region.
The Spokane Police Department is warning that roads are treacherous, after dozens of slide offs and collisions were reported overnight.
Some highways in Eastern Washington are also closed because of hazardous driving conditions.
Washington State Patrol Trooper J. Sevigney tweeted Wednesday night, “Alternate route to west Washington … try Oregon.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
