SPOKANE, Wash. — Eastern Washington wakes up under a thin glaze of ice and refrozen snow, creating slick travel conditions across Spokane and the surrounding Inland Northwest. The National Weather Service in Spokane issued an early morning warning urging drivers to slow down and allow extra time as black ice and freezing fog continue through the morning commute.
Temperatures remain locked around 30°F to 31°F, keeping road surfaces frozen after Monday’s light snow and melting moisture re-froze overnight. Commuters along I-90, U.S. 2, and Highway 195 are seeing patchy ice, especially on bridges and shaded areas, where untreated pavement turned slick before dawn.
Meteorologists noted that snow persisted across parts of eastern Washington and north Idaho overnight, though accumulations stayed minor — less than one inch in most spots. Still, the combination of leftover snow and subfreezing air is enough to make conditions hazardous. Even a thin film of ice can lead to loss of traction, particularly for morning traffic and delivery vehicles.
Visibility remains limited at times due to freezing fog, especially in low-lying areas and near river valleys. The NWS advises residents to drive slowly, use headlights, and avoid sudden braking. Temperatures should edge above freezing by early afternoon, allowing gradual improvement — though another round of patchy fog and icy refreeze is possible tonight.
