Traffic: I-5 Drivers Could See First Flakes Overnight

Drivers traveling along the Interstate 5 corridor could see their first winter blast overnight, and wake to snow and ice for the Tuesday morning commute.

Washington State Department of Transportation crews are doing their part to keep traffic moving by proactively applying snow and ice-fighting materials and paying close attention to ramps, curves and bridges.

Drivers can do their part by staying engaged and monitoring the forecast. Always “know before you go” and get the most recent roadway information. It takes just one unprepared or careless driver to slow or stop traffic. Taking the time to prepare now will save time and reduce stress during the first winter storm. 

Here's a 3-day forecast for Puyallup via National Weather Service:

• Monday Night: A chance of rain showers before 10pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10pm and 4am, then snow showers likely after 4am. Snow level 300 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. South wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Tuesday: Snow showers likely before 10am, then a chance of rain showers between 10am and 4pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers after 4pm. Snow level rising to 600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. South southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Tuesday Night: Rain and snow showers, mainly after 10pm. Snow level 400 feet. Low around 33. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
• Wednesday: Rain. High near 42. South wind 7 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Wednesday Night: Rain. Low around 35. South wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Thursday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Here’s what drivers can do to prepare for wintry roadway conditions:

• Prepare using the WSDOT Winter Driving Guide.
• Download the WSDOT mobile app to your smartphone.
• Sign up for news and social media tools such as Twitter atwww.wsdot.wa.gov/inform.
• Carry chains and know the traction and chain requirements. Mountain-pass traction and chain requirements are available on the WSDOT website, highway advisory signs and highway advisory radio.
• Preset 530 AM and 1610 AM on your vehicle’s radio before traveling.

- Information courtesy of WSDOT.