Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Transportation Several semi trucks were involved in collisions Wednesday morning on Interstate 90 near Indian John Hill. The wrecks shut the highway down for several hours. Links   E-mail                         Print Advertisement

On Wednesday evening, Manastash Ridge along Interstate 82 was bare and dry, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. However, snowfall is expected over the next several days, with one to two inches of snowfall estimated Friday.

All lanes of Interstate 90 in Kittitas County reopened Wednesday afternoon after a multiple-vehicle accident.

About five semi trucks were involved in collisions about 8 a.m. due to slippery conditions in the east and westbound lanes of I-90 near the area of Indian John Hill in western Kittitas County. At about the same time near Blewett Pass, two semi trucks lost control and crashed, closing down U.S. Highway 97, which later reopened.

WSDOT spokesman Mike Westbay urges caution while driving over mountain passes, and warns that sudden snowstorms can hit anytime from now until the end of April. And if motorists do find themselves in snowy conditions quickly, they are urged to slow down gradually until they are traveling at speeds safe for icy conditions.

"Take it slow," he said. "Don't just slam on the brakes, that's the worst thing you can do."