First snow falls on Valley floor

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The season's first snow dusted the lowlands of the Yakima Valley on Tuesday.

The Yakima airport reported a light coating of snow, with flakes also descending on Naches, Cowiche and Terrace Heights.

Light snow also fell on White Pass.

Snow plows are ready to roll if needed, said Mike Westbay, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation. Stevens and Chinook passes already have their first snow -- up to a few inches -- from the cold spell that passed through a couple of weeks ago.

The next week should be warmer. Highs will be between 55 and 65 degrees, with nighttime lows in the mid-30s or above, weather service meteorologist Robert Cramp said from the agency's office in Pendleton, Ore.

While the first major snowfall is not expected until early November, drivers should prepare now for the winter driving season.

Studded tires become legal Nov. 1. Drivers should also stock their cars with blankets, food, a shovel and other emergency supplies.

Westbay said motorists should drive carefully whenever the roadway could be slick. Slowing down, braking carefully and avoiding use of cruise control helps reduce the chance of a crash, he said.

More information about winter driving can be obtained at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter. Road conditions are available by calling 5-1-1.