Dangerous winds, snow force interstate closure; clog passes

SEATTLE -- High winds caused several accidents and forced the closure of Interstate 90 for several hours around 12 a.m. Monday as crews monitored the dangers on the road.

The closure was from Mile Marker 34 east of North Bend to Mile Marker 106 in Ellensburg on I-90. The road was reopened around 6:30 a.m., but traction tires were required to drive over the pass. Heavy snow was expected, officials said.

Washington State Department of Transportation Officials said high winds toppled trees and caused four accidents. One of the collisions sent an elderly man to the hospital.  His condition was unknown early Monday morning.

Chains were required over Stevens Pass at 6:30 a.m. and the roadway saw heavy snow and ice. White Pass was bare and wet with no restrictions. The North Cascade Highway was closed due to snow.

In North Bend, hundreds of travelers were stranded and could not go east or west through the Cascades on Snoqualmie Pass.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.