Winter Weather — Moses Lake Area, Washington

2019-12-01 · Moses Lake Area, Washington

Event narrative

The Columbia Basin Herald reported over 25 collisions including slide-offs and some roll-overs on interstate 90 between George and Moses Lake. The Eastbound lane of the interstate was closed between 4:30 PM PST and 7:30 PM. Two minor injuries to motorists were reported.

Wider weather episode

A weak warm front developed over central Washington during the day of December 1st. Light snow fell over the Columbia Basin including the Interstate 90 corridor. The snow apparently melted upon the road surface and then froze into a layer of ice. Actual snow accumulations during this event were generally less than 1 inch across the region.

Over 25 collisions occurred on I-90 in Central Washington between George and Moses Lake closing eastbound I-90 from shortly before 4:30 PM til 7:30 PM on December 1st. Road conditions began to deteriorate after 2 pm when snow began to fall. A series of collisions, mostly consisting of rollovers and vehicles sliding off the roadway, led to the closure of eastbound I-90 at MP154 with most of the collisions occurring between MP161 and MP164. There were at least two people sent to the hospital for minor injuries. A detour was in place, but the narrow road led to extensive back-ups. Moses Lake ASOS had visibility drop as low was 3/4 of a mile during the snow event.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 868202. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.