As the National Weather Service anticipates more snow in Pullman for both Wednesday and Thursday, police officials advise drivers use caution while on the roads.

“With driving in the winter you can get into a lot of trouble real quick,” Cmdr. Chris Tennant of the Pullman Police Department said.

The key to driving in the winter is to not speed and to anticipate upcoming stop signs and traffic lights, he said.

“The idea is to just not go too fast,” Tennant said.

He also advised drivers to stay on the plowed streets and take alternative routes, if necessary.

“There are certain roads that you might not want to take,” Tennant said. “Monroe Street is one of them.”

Lt. Steve Hansen of the WSU Police Department said they haven’t responded to any major car accidents since it began to snow this weekend.

Most of the calls they get are from people driving too fast for the conditions, he said.

“Roads were pretty good on Tuesday, however more snow is expected to come in during the next few days so people should check road conditions,” Hansen said.

Tennant also said the police occasionally receive calls from people reporting especially hazardous sections of roads.

“Obviously the police aren’t the ones driving the sand trucks but we can get them on the radio if (the circumstance) warrants it,” he said.

Hansen also said drivers who are planning on leaving town should make a survival kit in case of getting stuck in a snow drift.

Tennant said drivers should give a little forethought before they drive somewhere. If people plan on driving over the pass it is advisable to bring water, a snow shovel and a blanket.

“The best thing they can do is slow down and increase the distance between the cars they are following,” Hansen said. “Take your time, plan for the trip to be longer, and make sure your car has the correct tires; Summer tires do not have the same traction as winter tires.”

More snowfall predicted for Wednesday and Thursday

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather warning for most of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho Tuesday afternoon, according to a WSU Pullman Emergency Alert. The alert predicts five to nine inches of new snow for Wednesday.

As of 7 p.m. Tuesday night, the National Weather Service predicted heavy snow for the region on Wednesday, and an additional three to five inches for Thursday.

WSU emergency alert advises students to wear proper shoes

According to the emergency WSU alert issued Tuesday, WSU Facilities and Operations will have people working to clear roads and parking lots beginning at 4 a.m., however there are a number of places where snow is not removed.

The alert also advises students to use proper footwear while walking in the snow. Many of the serious fall-related injuries resulted from “inappropriate footwear.”