That rain falling out there has turned I-90 and most other roads into a sheet of ice. On my way into the office most people were being sensible and driving slowly, except one man who zipped who past me in the left lane. A few seconds later he was sliding sideways across four lanes of traffic, narrowly missing several cars. He only stopped, facing the wrong way, when he hit the concrete barrier that marks the edge of that section of freeway.

I saw numerous cars on the side of the freeway that were sideways or facing the wrong way. The DOT freeway cameras show numerous blockages, including a sideways semi near Park Road. Since I got in the office the scanner has had a continuous stream of accidents and slide offs. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office has even put out a press release asking people not to drive right now. Everyone please be very careful out there.

11:30 a.m. update: The scanner has calmed down considerably and things seem to be getting better out there. The Washington State Patrol is reporting that they responded to 45 accidents between 7:45 and 9:45 a.m. in Spokane and Lincoln Counties.

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