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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Snowstorm snarls traffic and sets up Spokane for a sloppy New Years Eve

Giovanna Olguin, 29, makes her way to the Shadle Walmart through the snow storm that hit the area, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Spokane, Wash. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Giovanna Olguin, 29, makes her way to the Shadle Walmart through the snow storm that hit the area, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Spokane, Wash. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Amy Edelen amye@spokesman.com(509) 459-5581

Freezing rain and snow created a messy commute Friday as a Pacific storm system rolled through the region.

Several vehicle crashes were reported due to the slick conditions, including a multiple vehicle collision on I-90 westbound that temporarily closed the Maple Street exit.

According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, which covers the Spokane Valley and outskirts of Spokane, 71 crashes were reported before 7 p.m.

Vehicle crash numbers within the city limits were not available Friday evening, but the Spokane Police Department encouraged residents to stay home Friday and avoid driving.

Washington State Patrol and Idaho State Police also responded to several slide-offs and crashes, according to their Twitter accounts.

The city of Spokane initiated a full-city plow Thursday evening and cleared major arterial and residential routes Friday morning. Spokane Valley began plowing primary and secondary streets along with critical intersections this morning.

Scattered showers are expected today with a daytime high of around 35 degrees and low of 19. On Sunday, afternoon sun is exptected with a high of 30 and low of 11.