Ice possible early Thursday; drivers need to be prepared and check their route
Published on Wed, Nov 24, 2010 by Alice Fiman, WSDOT CommunicationsRead More County & State
OLYMPIA – With road temperatures still well below freezing, a new weather forecast that calls for a mix of rain and snow Thursday could mean roadway ice from Chehalis to Bellingham.
“When any moisture hits while the road temperatures are still hovering around 20 degrees, it will likely turn to ice,” said Chris Christopher, maintenance director for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). “That could mean hazardous driving conditions. Our crews will be out very early Thursday and we are all watching the forecast overnight. It’s very important for all drivers to check conditions all along their route before they leave.”
Christopher said forecasts for Thursday show about a 50/50 chance of that precipitation and possible ice forming on most Puget Sound routes from mid morning through mid afternoon. The roads will be much better as the temperatures increase later Thursday.
Drivers should prepare for winter weather by packing cold-weather supplies and tire chains, and check travel and roadway conditions on WSDOT’s website before hitting the highways.
“When any moisture hits while the road temperatures are still hovering around 20 degrees, it will likely turn to ice,” said Chris Christopher, maintenance director for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). “That could mean hazardous driving conditions. Our crews will be out very early Thursday and we are all watching the forecast overnight. It’s very important for all drivers to check conditions all along their route before they leave.”
Christopher said forecasts for Thursday show about a 50/50 chance of that precipitation and possible ice forming on most Puget Sound routes from mid morning through mid afternoon. The roads will be much better as the temperatures increase later Thursday.
Drivers should prepare for winter weather by packing cold-weather supplies and tire chains, and check travel and roadway conditions on WSDOT’s website before hitting the highways.
