NORTH BEND, Wash. — Both lanes of I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass closed Thursday morning because of multiple crashes and blocking vehicles. At least one of the crashes involved several semi-trucks.
Eastbound I-90 was closed for more than two hours at milepost 34 near North Bend Thursday morning before reopening to traffic just before noon. Westbound I-90 reopened at 3 p.m.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) said there were minor injuries reported. Crews with Eastside Fire and Rescue were assisting.
WSP Trooper Rick Johnson said a trooper in their patrol car was hit by two vehicles near milepost 37. Photos from the scene of the crash show cars in ditches, an overturned vehicle, and at least one jack-knifed semi-truck.
KOMO News Meteorologist Kristin Clark tweetedthat blowing snow, icy roads and low visibility were likely causes for the crash on westbound I-90 near milepost 32.
The state patrol said it will likely take a while to clear the road as they had to request tow trucks from across the region to respond that could tow semis.
Troopers are also out doing chain enforcement. Johnson said if they see a truck that is not chained up, then troopers will make them turn around.
Johnson said Thursday morning that troopersin King County responded to 161 calls in 24 hours for collisions, spinouts, and disabled vehicles.
As winter weather continues in Washington, the WSP wants to remind drivers to always be prepared. Carry a blanket and some extra food in your car and always have a full tank of gas when traveling over the passes.
Another round of heavy, mixed precipitation is expected in the mountains. The Cascades of Whatcom to Lewis counties - including Snoqualmie and Stevens passes - could see up between 8-12 inches of snow accumulation and around 0.25 inches of ice by Friday night.
ALSO SEE: Bitter cold, freezing rain in western Washington ahead of holiday weekend
Drivers heading over the Cascades should give themselves plenty of time and plan for slick road conditions. Cold air and freezing rain are expected to linger through the Cascade passes and across the Columbia Basin into Saturday, proving problematic for holiday weekend travel.
Gusty south winds will lead to avalanche danger in the Cascades and king tide coastal flooding this holiday weekend. Rounds of rain, even in the mountains, will increase the threat of urban street flooding and river rises through next week.
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