If you’re headed to Eastern Washington, you’re in the clear, at least for now.

The Washington Department of Transportation has completed avalanche work on both Stevens and Snoqualmie passes and the two roads are open to traffic.

Weather forecasters had been predicting substantial snow, but thus far, it hasn’t happened in quantities enough to disrupt travel. Roads are reported to be bare and wet this morning. Traction tires are advised, however.

Drivers have an extra two weeks to remove their studded tires this year.

The deadline to remove them is April 16, according to the state Department of Transportation. It was extended because forecasts show possible winter driving conditions through Easter weekend, which is a popular day for travel.

Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31 unless an extension is granted.

Officials recommend removing studded tires sooner than later if you’re not planning to driver Easter weekend since tire stores are likely to be busiest as the removal deadline gets closer.

Drivers beware.

The roads around the South Sound are slick this morning.

Washington State Patrol trooper Guy Gill reported just after 4 a.m. that several collisions had been reported in Pierce and Thurston counties. No major injuries were reported.

“Slow down and drive for the conditions,” Gill said in a tweet.

Hopefully, you haven’t misplaced your ice scraper. You’re going to need it this morning.

The South Sound is waking up to a cold morning today. Temperatures dropped below freezing overnight, frosting up car windows.

Commuters should be aware that icy spots are possible on the roadways, especially bridges and overpasses, according to the National Weather Service.

“Motorists should exercise caution during the morning commute,” the Weather Service said.

These cool temperatures will likely remain in the area through Tuesday. There is a possibility of snow in some areas, including the Hood Canal area and the Kitsap peninsula.

The Washington State Patrol advises drivers to be careful on the roadways this morning.

“You could be dealing with some icy spots during your commute this morning,” trooper Guy Gill tweeted this morning.

There’s been no reports of accidents so far.

UPDATE as of 3 p.m.

All lanes are now open.

ORIGINAL POST

The state Department of Transportation reports that state Route 162 is closed in both directions at South Prairie and Mundy Loss Road because of downed power lines and trees across the roadway.

The closure is between mileposts 17 and 19 in the Wilkeson area.

Local utility crews are trying to clear the power lines and remove the trees from the road, DOT said Sunday morning.

Local access is permitted at driver’s own risk, DOT said.

There is no estimated end to the closure. This story will …

Read more »

UPDATED at 12:36 p.m.

This week’s weather continues to take its toll on the area roads.

Among the problems:

* Both directions of state Route 16 across the Tacoma Narrow bridges are closed.

* A section of Pacific Avenue in the South End is closed.

In Puyallup, the following roads are closed.

* Shaw Road from 12^th Avenue Southeast to 23^rd Avenue Southeast.

* 23^rd Avenue Southeast from Meridian to 7^th Street Southeast.

* 31^st Avenue Southeast between 13^th Street and 17^th Street Southeast.

* 15^th Avenue Southwest between 9^th Street Southwest and 12^th Street Southwest.

* 16^th Avenue Southeast …

Read more »

A fallen tree is blocking the right three lanes of southbound Interstate 5 just south of South 320th Street, the state DOT reports.