Spokane, Wash. — Frost and minor ice accumulation from dense fog created slick travel conditions across parts of eastern Washington early Friday, impacting untreated roads and bridges during the morning commute.
The National Weather Service in Spokane said reports of slick roads emerged around Airway Heights and nearby outlying areas as temperatures hovered near freezing and fog deposited a thin layer of frost on road surfaces. The hazard developed quickly on untreated pavement, sidewalks, and parking lots.
The most affected travel corridors include U.S. 2 through Airway Heights, I-90 near Spokane Valley, U.S. 395 north toward Deer Park, and SR-904 near Cheney. Bridges and overpasses pose the highest risk, icing over faster than surrounding roadways.
Communities experiencing patchy slick spots include Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Cheney, Deer Park, Medical Lake, and Liberty Lake. In many locations, roads appeared merely wet, masking thin ice that reduced traction with little warning.
Visibility fluctuated as dense fog thickened and thinned through the early morning hours, further complicating travel. Motorists encountered sudden slick patches, especially in shaded areas and lower-traffic routes where road treatments were limited.
The Washington State Department of Transportation urged drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking. Pedestrians were also advised to use caution on sidewalks and parking lots, where frost created slippery conditions.
As temperatures rise later Friday morning, frost gradually melts and road conditions improve. The icing threat diminishes by mid-morning as fog lifts and surfaces warm above freezing, though isolated slick spots may linger briefly on elevated structures.
No additional winter precipitation is expected later Friday, allowing travel conditions to steadily improve into the afternoon. Officials emphasize that even minor frost events can cause significant travel hazards, particularly during peak commute hours, and drivers are encouraged to remain alert for icy patches until conditions fully stabilize.
