Fallen Tree Blocking I-5 Near Mounts Road

LAKEWOOD, WA — A fallen tree is likely to cause lingering backups for drivers in southern Pierce County Monday.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, a tree fell onto southbound I-5 near the Mounts Rd / Old Nisqually Rd exit just after 12:30 p.m.

Crews are on scene working to remove the tree, but as of 1:15 p.m. two lanes of the freeway are blocked, and Washington State Patrol troopers are warning drivers to expect delays if they are heading through the area. WSDOT says backups have already reached the DuPont area.

The treefall is just the latest problem caused by the recent weather event, which has knocked out power for thousands of residents across Puget Sound Monday.