Freezing Fog — Upper Columbia Basin, Washington

2020-12-25 to 2020-12-26 · Upper Columbia Basin, Washington

Event narrative

Heavy, freezing fog created slick roadways which led to rolling cars, collisions, and blocked roadways. Many occurred on US Highway 2 and Interstate 90. Washington State Highway troopers responded to 63 crashes overnight December 25th and the 26th. There are no reports of injuries or fatalities.

Wider weather episode

In addition to an occluded front's evening arrival in Washington, there were many factors that brought light to moderate snowfall to Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle on Christmas night into December 26th. Significant precipitable water and a surface low's colder air provided conditions for snow and rain/snow mixes across the region.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 933224. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.