Winter weather forecast prompts WSDOT to allow studded tires now

With a heavy snowfall forecast for the mountain passes, drivers can start using studded tires and truck drivers should make sure they have chains, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced.

Forecasts call for winter storms with snow levels dropping to 3000 feet today for all major Cascade Mountain passes. The higher elevation passes may be most impacted by the storm.

· I-90 Snoqualmie Pass (3,022 feet) forecasts call for 2-4 inches of wet snow or slush into today.

· US 2 Stevens Pass (4,061 feet) forecasts indicate a convergence zone over Stevens Pass that could bring up to 15 inches of snow before Wednesday.

· On US 12 White Pass (4,500 feet), close to 12 inches of snow through today.

· On SR 410 Chinook Pass (5,430 feet), drivers should expect temporary road closures as forecasts call for close to 24 inches of snow.

· On US 20 North Cascades (5,477 feet), also expect temporary road closures as forecasts call for close to 24 inches of snow.

Weather forecasts call for warmer and dry conditions by Wednesday.

Because of the challenging conditions ahead in the mountains, WSDOT officials decided to allow drivers to install studded tires prior to the Nov. 1 seasonal tire restriction lift. The weather should clear by Wednesday, so if travelers are staying in the lower elevations and not crossing a mountain pass, WSDOT requests they wait until Nov. 1.

“We have concerns about roadway damage from studded tires and encourage drivers to visit their tire dealers and find out about tires that provide traction and are legal for use year-round,” Christopher said.

Find a list of items to carry in that winter-driving emergency kit, details about WSDOT’s winter program, answers to frequently asked questions and more here.

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