Spokane, Washington – Black ice and snow-covered bridges are creating hazardous travel along I-90 and US-195 this morning as temperatures hover near 28 degrees, forcing drivers to slow down immediately across eastern Washington and north Idaho.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a passing weather system dropped light snow overnight, and freezing temperatures are now locking in icy conditions from Spokane and Coeur d’Alene south to Pullman and Lewiston. Untreated roads, rural highways and elevated surfaces are especially slick through the mid-morning hours.
In Spokane and Spokane Valley, patches of compact snow and ice are reported along I-90, particularly on ramps and overpasses. Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls are seeing similar issues on bridges crossing the Spokane River. Even a light additional snowfall of up to a quarter inch can quickly glaze roadways when surface temperatures remain below freezing.
Farther south along US-195 near Colfax and Pullman, drivers should expect snow-packed stretches and refreeze in shaded areas. In Lewiston and Nez Perce County, temperatures near freezing are allowing meltwater to refreeze, creating isolated black ice spots along US-12.
Officials urge motorists to reduce speeds, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking. Allow extra commute time and use caution on bridges, which freeze first. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late this morning as temperatures rise above freezing, but slick spots may linger in outlying areas.
