Winter storm triggers snow squall warnings and crashes along the I-90 near Spokane, Washington
Snow squall warnings were issued for parts of Washington on January 7, 2026, as a severe winter storm brought heavy snowfall across the region, triggering multiple crashes, and prompting road closures.
Image credit: WSDOT
The warning affected multiple key routes near Spokane, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho, including the I-90, US-195, US-395, US-95 and US-2.
“This is a life threatening situation! Delay or avoid travel!” said the National Weather Service (NWS). Visibility dropped to less than 0.4 km (0.25 miles) in parts of the warnings.
All lanes of the westbound I-90 were blocked near the Four Lakes interchange at milepost 270 due to collisions involving multiple semi trucks blocking the route.
[7:50pm PST] The I-90/US-2 interchange in Spokane is seeing very heavy snow with visibilities down to a quarter mile. If you plan on traveling in this area, please slow down and take precautions. We have issued a Snow Squall Warning through 8:15PM. #wawx pic.twitter.com/Q7BFLe3hXx
— NWS Spokane (@NWSSpokane) January 8, 2026
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) advised motorists to use SR 904 or SR 902 as alternate routes at this time.
The route was partially reopened at around 23:30 local time (LT), with one lane being operational while cleanup continued on other lanes by WSDOT crews.
Heads up to travelers that ALL westbound lanes of I-90 near the Four Lakes interchange at milepost 270 are currently blocked due to collisions.
— WSDOT East (@WSDOT_East) January 8, 2026
Use alternate routes at this time. pic.twitter.com/63Lv0P2aO8
FINAL: as of moments ago, westbound I-90 is back OPEN near the 4 Lakes interchange.
— WSDOT East (@WSDOT_East) January 8, 2026
Currently one lane is getting though as cleanup continues from the earlier collision. Please slow down and drive for conditions. https://t.co/wFrVUnp6wP pic.twitter.com/xERCRtzTR4
The winter storm that triggered the heavy snow was one of two frontal systems forecast to bring widespread precipitation and heavy mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest between January 6 and 8.
The first, associated with a weakening atmospheric river, brought rainfall to the region on Tuesday, followed by a second, stronger system on January 7–8. Snowfall totals of 30–120 cm (12–48 inches) are expected across the Cascades and Olympic Mountains, with locally higher amounts above 1 500 m (5 000 feet).
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I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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