Storm hits WW County hard

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA — High winds Monday created snow drifts across many roads in Walla Walla County. The National Weather Service said wind gusts of 58 miles per hour were recorded at 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Monday at Walla Walla Regional Airport.

The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office and crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation worked to clear roads and remove more than 20 vehicles stuck in deep snow drifts. Undersheriff Joe Klundt said all contacts were safe and either had rides or tows en route.

Walla Walla County Emergency Management issued a list of county roads that have been determined to be impassable. It includes Buroker road, Cottonwood from Hood to Foster roads, Hart Road, and Seaman Road. A complete list is on the emergency management website.

The National Weather Service predicts more snow through the end of the week. County officials ask motorists traveling in unincorporated sections of the county to use extreme care. Walla Walla County Public Works is working hard to clear the roads.

Photo via Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office