Snow piles up as winter storm barrels through region

Heavy snow making travel difficult throughout King County

A new round of heavy snow is causing major travel headaches all across King County this afternoon - whether you're driving on major urban arterials or unincorporated rural roads. No area of the county appears to be escaping this latest winter blast.

King County Road Services Division crews are currently reporting very hazardous driving conditions along with several road closures. Most of the county's road response has focused on plowing and sanding.  In many parts of the county, the snow has come down so hard and fast, snow response has been mostly confined to heavily traveled arterials in the county.

Given the amount of snow that's fallen, road crews are now checking dozens of very steep roadways in the county that are particularly susceptible to snow and ice buildup.  As the day progresses, some of those roads may need to be closed if crews determine they are not safe for travel.  Currently eight roads are closed, including:

• SE. Lake Holmes Rd. between Auburn-Black Diamond Rd. and 129th Way SE near Auburn
• 103 Ave. SW. between SW. 112th St. and Vashon Hwy SW., Vashon
• 87 Ave. SW. between Dockton Rd. and SW. Cemetery Rd., Vashon
• SW. 268th St. between 94 Ave. SW. and Dockton Rd. SW., Vashon
• 58th Pl. S. between West Valley Hwy. S. and 55th Ave. S. near Algona
• 56th Pl. S. between 55th Pl. S. and West Valley Hwy. S. near Algona
• S. Star Lake Rd. between S. 277th St. and 52nd Ave. S. near Auburn
• 55th Ave. S. between S. 277th St. and S. 284th Way  near Auburn

Motorists should continue to monitor travel conditions and road closures by visiting King County's MyCommute website.

About 150 field staff continue to work twelve-hour shifts to support 24-hour operations countywide. That around-the-clock schedule will continue until conditions improve. The county has about 50 pieces of snow removal equipment (ranging from snowplows and sanders to anti-icing vehicles) available to maintain 1300 miles of urban, suburban and rural roads in unincorporated King County.

Given the potential for additional snow and continued cold temperatures, motorists should closely monitor weather forecasts and adjust their travel plans as necessary. When heading out, make sure you are prepared for winter driving. Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Making sure you have a full tank of gas and your tires are in good condition.
• Having an vehicle emergency kit, including a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a shovel along with food and water in case you get stuck.
• If your car does become stuck, pull as far off the road as possible so snow equipment can get around your car.

While county crews will continue to tend to snow and ice, roadways can quickly refreeze. Steep roads, less traveled roads and bridges can be particularly hazardous, especially at night and during the early morning hours as commuters head out to work.

Depending on the severity of the storm, some roads will be plowed and sanded less often than others. In general, snow response on roadways will occur in the following order of priority:
• Major roads such as key arterials and main thoroughfares connecting densely populated areas.
• Smaller roadways that carry traffic from local streets to arterial roadways connecting towns and cities.
• Secondary commuter routes that are considered important connectors to the County’s larger network of roads.

For more information about the King County Road Services Division's snow and ice plan online.