SPOKANE, Wash. — Two people have died in car crashes involving icy roads during an eastern Washington snowstorm that began on Wednesday.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Jeff Sevigney said the agency has responded to dozens of crashes, including the two fatal crashes on Wednesday.
On Highway 26 near Washtucna, a 29-year-old Soap Lake woman died when she lost control of her vehicle on icy roads. The State Patrol says Kaylyn Bossert's car drifted into the oncoming lane and hit a semi-truck head-on.
Meanwhile, a 62-year-old man died in an auto accident on icy roads about five miles north of the town of Reardan. The State Patrol says Ronald Skunes lost control of his vehicle and it collided with a semi-truck on State Route 231.
Highway closures
Several highways remain closed on Thursday morning due a snowstorm hitting areas throughout the Inland Northwest.
The closures include Highway 27 from Tekoa to Fairfield; Highway 261 near Washtucna to Ritzville; and Highway 241 in both directions from milepost 9 to milepost 25.
Areas of Highway 27 have been closed since Wednesday morning due to blowing and drifting snow, which also led to the closure of Highway 261.
Impassible snow drifts in multiple locations led to the closure of Highway 41. Continued winds and new snowfall are making it difficult for crews to clear the road, according to the state Department of Transportation. An estimated time to reopen the highway is unknown.
Washington State Patrol Trooper also reminded drivers that they could face a $136 fine if they drive past a road closure sign.
Spokane road conditions
Road conditions vary in Spokane on Thursday morning from messy and compact snow, to ice, to bare and wet, according to KREM reporter Kierra Elfalan. This comes after Spokane received three inches of new snow in the last 24 hours.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Watch the local forecast below:
