Washington drivers gear up for winter weather conditions

With a winter weather warning in effect over the weekend, the Washington State Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be prepared for anything.

For anyone driving through the Snoqualmie Pass, WSDOT encourages drivers to have traction/snow tires, as well as chains packed and ready for potential use.

WSDOT spokesperson Megan Lott said Washington State Patrol would help enforce the chain requirements over the weekend.

“If you are traveling or you have to travel, we are just advising drivers that they need to be prepared by having traction tires, chains, and make sure that they take it slow,” Lott said.

Drivers whom KIRO 7 caught up with said that whenever winter weather hits the area, things can get rough.

“Because it’s hard to see at night anyways up here. It’s so dark. And then you put the snow and ice and slush and crazy drivers ... yeah. I would stay,” said Cindy Krachd, who was coming from Leavenworth.

That was why many drivers were quick to get to their destination before the weather came on at full strength.

“I would be very cautious. I wouldn’t try tonight,” one man at the Snoqualmie Pass said.

But one thing drivers who commute on the pass daily emphasized, is having a vehicle with a four-wheel drive.

“You’d be a d*** fool to be commuting over the pass without four-wheel drive,” said Chris Scott, who drives through the pass daily.