Heavy, sudden snow causes multiple accidents near North Bend overnight, takes life of pregnant Moses Lake woman

A strong weather convergence zone moved over the Snoqualmie Valley around 7PM, Easter Sunday (April 1st), bringing heavy snow, sleet, and hail.

By 7:30PM Eastside Fire & Rescue reported via social media that crews were responding to multiple accidents and spinouts on I-90 near North Bend, warning drivers to avoid the area until the heavy snow let up.

There were at least five accidents – involving multiple vehicles – between milepost 27 and 36 Sunday night, with the worst accident taking the life of a 27-year old Moses Lake woman on eastbound I-90 just west of the North Bend Outlet Mall.

According to the Washington State Patrol, a sedan carrying a family of four left the roadway during the heavy snow event, struck the guardrail on the left shoulder and came to rest about 20 feet down the embankment.

The 31-year old driver and his 3 and 5-year old children suffered serious injuries and were transported to Harborview Medical Center, but unfortunately his wife, who was reportedly pregnant, did not survive. According to TV news reports, the father and children are expected to recover.

The snow did not let up over Snoqualmie Pass Sunday night. By 11:30, WSDOT had closed I-90 in both directions between Ellensburg (milepost 106) and North Bend at Truck Town (milepost 34) due to heavy snow and multiple spinouts.

WSDOT kept I-90 closed overnight and reopened it around 8AM. A Winter Weather Advisory for the Cascades was extended until 11AM, April 2nd. The passes received about a foot of snow overnight.

 

I-90 road conditions near North Bend, Sunday night, 4/1/18. Photo: Eastside Fire & Rescue

 

 

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