Icy, snowy conditions slow traffic, cause slide-offs

Highway 27 south of Spokane Valley was closed briefly in both directions and local authorities are reporting multiple slide-offs and collisions during a slick Thursday commute. The Washington State Patrol reported at 7:30 a.m. it had closed the north/south highway about two miles north of Freeman because of icy conditions and multiple slide-offs. The road has reopened, but traffic is moving slowly, the WSP said. Spokane Police Officer Teresa Fuller reported a vehicle versus pedestrian accident at South Maple Street and West 5th Avenue that has since been cleared. Multiple slide-offs were also reported on state Route 904 near Cheney. Traffic appeared to be moving normally on Interstate 90 early Thursday. Precipitation should taper off throughout the day in the Spokane area with dry conditions expected for the nighttime commute, the National Weather Service said. Some snow is possible tonight, however.