State Patrol: Brief snow storm led to 95 crashes in Southwest Washington

A brief February snow storm blew through the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, and while standard rain was back in the forecast as early as Friday evening, the freeze disrupted roads, schools and businesses across Lewis and South Thurston counties.

The storm’s impact included a miles-long backup on both directions of Interstate 5 after a 22-car pileup blocked southbound I-5 near Toledo around noon on Thursday and a disabled semi blocked all lanes of northbound I-5 just south of Jackson Highway at about 12:20 p.m.

All northbound lanes were reopened around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and all southbound lanes reopened around 5:30 p.m.

Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews advised travelers to avoid I-5 between Castle Rock and Napavine Thursday night as the area remained a hazard.

“WSDOT crews are working on both sides of I-5 between Castle Rock in Cowlitz County and Napavine in Lewis County to treat and clear icy roads and get traffic moving,” WSDOT Southwest stated in a social media post just after 8:10 p.m. on Thursday. “Have patience, expect long delays & avoid the area!”

Washington State Patrol troopers responded to 95 crashes in Lewis, Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Klickitat counties between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, according to Trooper Will Finn, public information officer for District 5.

“Thank you for your patience as we continue to get traffic moving again!” Finn stated in a social media post.

After snow began falling Thursday afternoon, many Lewis County school districts released students early and cancelled after school activities.

With re-frozen slush and snow still on the ground Friday morning, Centralia College and Centralia, Chehalis, Adna, Winlock, Toledo, Tenino, White Pass and Yelm school districts cancelled school for the day. Napavine, Onalaska, Mossyrock and Morton school districts transitioned to remote learning for the day, and Oakville and Rochester schools had a two-hour delayed start. The Pe Ell School District released students early Thursday afternoon, but appeared to have a normal school day on Friday.

The change in schedule was welcome for some, as many Lewis County residents spent the day outside playing in the snow.

“Thank you for being an amazing community — we love seeing all your snowman pictures! Keep them coming, and let’s see some snow angels and sledding fun too!” Lewis County Emergency Management said in a social media post Friday morning. “Enjoy the snow while it lasts — rain is moving in this afternoon.”

As of 12:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, the National Weather Service predicted a chance of rain Friday night, with a 70% chance of rain Saturday and a 100% chance of rain through Sunday night. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 47 degrees and a low of 37 degrees through the weekend.

While some residents expressed concerns about flooding with the snowmelt and incoming rain, Lewis County Emergency Management assured the community Friday morning that flooding is not anticipated at this time.

“The rivers are well under what they should be at this time,” Lewis County Emergency Management stated.

Lewis County river levels can be monitored online at https://rivers.lewiscountywa.gov/#/. 

For updated weather forecasts, visit https://forecast.weather.gov/. 

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