Multiple Crashes, Spinouts in Snow Close Eastbound I-90, State Route 241

CLE ELUM (AP) — A round of nasty weather is making for treacherous driving in much of Eastern Washington, and authorities closed a 60-mile section of Interstate 90 eastbound after numerous crashes and spinouts. Much of State Route 241 was also closed as of Monday morning.

The Washington State Patrol says one of the I-90 crashes, east of Cle Elum, resulted in serious injury when a vehicle rolled over and an 11-year-old boy who wasn't wearing a seat belt was ejected. A three-car crash killed one person, and a six-car crash left another critically injured.

The Washington State Department of Transportation closed the highway's eastbound lanes from North Bend to about 10 miles east of Cle Elum.

SR-241 remained closed north of Sunnyside from Milepost 12 at Independence Road to the junction of SR-24 at Milepost 25, according to WSDOT. "Recent heavy snowfall combined with strong gusty winds caused areas of poor visibility and blocking snow drifts on the highway," WSDOT explained in a news release.

Crews were working to open the roadway and the state estimated the highway could reopen by 4 p.m.

Most schools and numerous agencies canceled classes and all other operations for Monday amid the treacherous conditions.

Meantime, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of Eastern Washington, with heavy snow in many areas. A winter storm warning was also issued for the Hood Canal region in Western Washington, with snow and ice expected to accumulate.

The State Patrol reported several spinouts and rollover crashes in southwest Washington as well.