An ugly commute awaits

Another winter storm hit Spokane on Sunday, delivering three inches of new snow and the promise of a treacherous commute this morning.

The Washington State Patrol reported 105 collisions and cars sliding off roads in seven counties. There were 75 crashes and slide-offs reported to Spokane County and city of Spokane dispatchers between midnight and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Among them was a Sunday afternoon hit-and-run accident on Interstate 90 that left one person hurt and clogged the highway.

Terrance Cochran, 38, of Spokane Valley, was driving on the freeway about 2:30 p.m. when his car was hit by a green or tan SUV or pickup, according to the WSP. When Cochran got out of his car, it was hit by another vehicle, which pushed his car into him. The WSP said he was transported to Deaconess Medical Center, but by Sunday night he was not listed as a patient.

There were a dozen collisions and 25 slide-offs in Coeur d’Alene during Sunday’s storm as snow accumulations piled atop last week’s record.

The Washington State Department of Transportation closed State Route 27 because of high winds and drifting snow. Winds caused problems for drivers in Spokane Valley, especially east of Sullivan Road.

The National Weather service reported 2  1/2 inches of new snow had fallen at Spokane International Airport by 4 p.m. Sunday, with another inch or so occurring after that. A winter weather advisory was in effect until 4 a.m. today.

Between 2 and 3 inches was expected Sunday night in Spokane, and more was on the way today and perhaps every day this week.

“The Monday morning commute should be particularly ugly,” said sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan, “so drivers should give themselves extra time to reach their destinations.”

Within Spokane’s city limits snow plows have cleared streets on the South Hill and were working neighborhoods on Spokane’s North Side.

Progress might be slowed Sunday night and today as plow drivers return to arterial streets to remove new snow, city officials said.

Garbage pickup will resume today in the city, according to a news release. People are asked to put garbage containers in accessible areas.

While most Spokane Transit Authority buses were set to resume regular service this morning, several routes will be left without service. These include the 31 Garland, 43 Lincoln/37th, 46 Altamont and 95 Millwood. Riders are encouraged to read the alerts on the STA Web site – spokanetransit.com – beginning at 6 a.m.

Plows will clear Browne’s Addition streets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents of the neighborhood must move their cars from the narrow streets or risk having vehicles towed.

And the snow berms in downtown Spokane will be removed this week. Cars left in metered parking spots will be ticketed beginning this morning.