I-5 could be underwater this afternoon; all major passes closed

Major rivers in Washington are rapidly rising including rivers adjacent to Interstate 5 in Lewis county. Forecasts indicate that

portions of Interstate 5 could be underwater as early as this afternoon.

WSDOT crews are monitoring the entire corridor and will immediately take the necessary measures to close the road if it becomes unsafe for

vehicles.

All three major east-west mountain pass highways through the Cascade Mountains are closed at this hour due to avalanche danger and mudslides.

Motorists should anticipate additional travel delays and road closures.

Drivers should plan for winter driving conditions in the mountain passes when they open and the potential for flooding throughout Washington.

Route information is available at the WSDOT web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov and drivers are encouraged to check conditions along their entire route.

WSDOT has established a county-by-county list of road closures at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/update/. Real-time traffice information is also available by calling 511.