Traffic
Washington Traffic Alert Nov. 2: Dense Fog on I-90, US 2
Spokane, WA – Drivers across northeast Washington and northern Idaho are facing potentially hazardous travel conditions Monday morning, November 2, as patchy dense fog reduces visibility to less than
By Erin Vale · 2026-11-02T09:55:09.461Z
Spokane, WA – Drivers across northeast Washington and northern Idaho are facing potentially hazardous travel conditions Monday morning, November 2, as patchy dense fog reduces visibility to less than half a mile in some locations, affecting major highways and morning commutes throughout the Spokane Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, areas of dense fog developed early Monday morning across portions of the Inland Northwest, prompting officials to urge motorists to use additional caution while traveling.
The fog is affecting parts of northeast Washington and northern Idaho, including communities throughout the greater Spokane metropolitan area and neighboring Kootenai County, Idaho.
Forecasters warn that visibility could fall below one half mile at times , making it difficult for drivers to see approaching vehicles, intersections and changing roadway conditions.
Major transportation routes potentially affected include Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 2 and U.S. Highway 395 , particularly where fog becomes locally dense.
Interstate 90 serves as a major east west corridor connecting Spokane, Washington, with Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, making reduced visibility a concern for commuters traveling between the two metropolitan areas.
U.S. Highway 2 and U.S. Highway 395 also carry significant morning traffic through portions of northeast Washington.
The National Weather Service recommends that motorists reduce their speed, increase following distances and use low beam headlights when encountering dense fog.
High beam headlights should be avoided because their light can reflect off fog droplets, making visibility even worse.
Drivers should also allow additional travel time Monday morning and remain prepared for rapidly changing visibility.
Fog conditions can vary significantly over short distances, meaning motorists may encounter clear stretches of roadway followed by sudden reductions in visibility.
The weather service issued its fog safety update at 1:08 a.m. PST Monday , emphasizing the potential impacts during the morning commute.
No specific highway closures or traffic delays were confirmed in the supplied advisory.
Residents should monitor local road conditions and updated forecasts before departing.
Additional weather information is available at weather.gov/otx .