Snow, ice, even cattle, are slowing traffic across Central Washington

YAKIMA, Wash. – Snow, icy roads and a cattle drive are combining to slow traffic across the Central Washington.

Travel times Saturday on Interstate 90 are slowed by compact snow and ice and chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives.

Eastbound traffic from North Bend to Ellensburg should expect to add up to 90 minutes of travel time, and westbound traffic can expect anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes of increased time for drivers, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Avalanche control work is expected to begin around 11:30 a.m. on I-90’s Snoqualmie Pass. The DOT advises that westbound traffic would be stopped near Gold Creek and near Easton. Eastbound traffic would be stopped at Denny Creek.

Avalanche control generally takes about 20 minutes to two hours to complete. Once crews assess the snow volume brought down by the blast, an estimated reopening time can be determined. Currently, the DOT estimates that reopening will be around 1:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, a cattle drive on State Route 821, between Yakima and Ellensburg, also will create delays for motorists.

Drivers should use Interstate 82 between Yakima and Ellensburg from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday as travel on State Route 821 is restricted for the duration of the cattle drive.

The National Weather Service is predicting a 50 percent chance of light freezing rain for the remainder of the morning, mixing with rain Saturday afternoon. Temperatures are only expected to reach about 35 degrees.

Overnight, rain showers are likely, with a low around 31 degrees. The continued light rain on Sunday is expected to be followed by a mix of rain and snow in the afternoon.

The chance for continued precipitation Sunday is about 80 percent, but temperatures should warm up to around 38 degrees.