Christmas driving looking hazardous

Moses Lake: With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a busy travel time. If you’re hitting the road, make sure to check the weather and road conditions. There’s a lot of rain in the forecast, and the mountains might see some snow that could slow things down.

In the lower areas, it’s mostly rain, according to Laurie Nisbet from the National Weather Service in Spokane. Expect rain every day until Friday. It’s just going to keep coming, she says.

But up in the mountains, it’s a different story. Snow is expected to start Christmas night and could last into Thursday morning. Places like Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass could see significant snowfall.

For elevations around 3,000 feet, we might get 6 to 12 inches, and up to 24 inches at 3,500 feet. The heaviest snow is likely to hit Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

If you’re heading east, Lookout Pass in Idaho is also expecting some snow, with about 4 to 6 inches forecasted for Wednesday night into Thursday.

On Christmas Eve, expect a mix of rain and snow in the mountains, with a decent chance of rain at lower elevations. The rain is really going to ramp up on Christmas afternoon and could last through the weekend, with up to an inch of rain expected in the Columbia Basin.

There’s also a chance of wind with the rain, especially on Saturday when the winds could be the strongest.

Temperatures are looking mild for Christmas week, with highs in the mid-40s for Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and Spokane, and lows in the mid-30s.

The Washington Department of Transportation is advising drivers to check conditions along their routes before heading out. They have a “real-time travel map” that’s updated with current road conditions and any closures.

And remember, unless you’re flying in on a sleigh, make sure you have chains or approved traction devices. When chains are required, they need to be on your vehicle; studded tires won’t cut it.

Driving in winter conditions means you’ll need to go slower and keep more space between vehicles. Stopping takes longer, especially for bigger vehicles, so keep that in mind while you’re out there. Stay safe!