OLYMPIA – Western Washington drivers should see some relief today from the arctic blast of wind and snow that has kept them in the deep freeze for a week. Rain is likely from just south of Vancouver, B.C. all the way down to Vancouver, Washington. As the snow turns to rain and temperatures increase Thursday, Western Washington drivers could also find standing water on area roadways.

Drivers heading over the Cascades will need to gear up for wet, heavy snow expected to fall through Sunday. Those planning to travel over I-90 Snoqualmie Pass should allow extra time in case avalanche control work is necessary. Forecasters say that avalanche control work is likely to take place Friday through Sunday. WSDOT crews will try to do the work at night when traffic is light. Delays can last from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on how much snow and debris lands on the road.

“We are very encouraged with the forecast, but drivers still need to slow down and be prepared,” said WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond. “Where there was compact snow and ice, there will be slush or standing water, especially in areas where they received the most snow. As clean-up continues, be prepared for differences in driving conditions on local streets and highways.”

Read the WSDOT blog http://wsdotblog.blogspot.com to read more WSDOT winter stories (including how to drive in slush), see snow and ice photos from around the state on Fickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot and videos on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/wsdot. For those traveling over the mountains, WSDOT has posted a tire chain installation video on its YouTube page.

Drivers are encouraged to check conditions along their entire route at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic before hitting the highways.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday,

•Snow is coming down in the Cascade Mountains and many areas in Eastern Washington. Drivers should leave themselves extra time and expect winter driving conditions.

•There is one lanes open with alternating traffic on SR 112 near Neah Bay due to a rockslide. A boulder and debris from the slope landed in the eastbound lane.

Those who must drive should plan ahead and take precautions. Carry warm clothes, food, water and chains for your vehicles. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a fully-charged cell phone. If driving, slow down and give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. Roadways, intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady spots all have potential to develop ice that makes driving hazardous.

Know Before you go:

•Get information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.

•511 – This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388. Out-of-state callers can access the information at call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

•Mountain pass conditions are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/.

•At www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find WSDOT’s winter driving-related information, including preparing a vehicle for winter driving, safe driving tips and mountain pass travel advisories. The WSDOT winter site also offers information about chains, winter tires and how WSDOT maintenance crews work in winter weather.

•On WSDOT’s Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather, drivers can look roadway temperatures and see camera images from across the state.

•At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, a map shows highway incidents and closures.

•Sign up for news. WSDOT offers subscribers more than 25 specialized e-mail alerts, including news and information for freight haulers, construction related traffic revisions, project updates from all around the state, and timely updates on pass conditions. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov and click the link for “E-mail updates.”

•Twitter users can add WSDOT to their personal accounts at: http://twitter.com/wsdot/. Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform/twitter for more details.

On the Road:

•Overhead and roadside electronic signs

•Highway advisory radio – WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio.