U.S. 2 closed in both directions east of Stevens Pass

STEVENS PASS — Heavy snowfall and downed trees prompted U.S. 2 to close in both directions Monday afternoon east of Stevens Pass.

Traffic was prohibited between the summit at milepost 66 and Coles Corner at milepost 84, the Washington State Department of Transportation said. There was no estimated time of reopening, and alternate routes were advised.

Snow fell at Stevens Pass intermittently since Saturday, and the National Weather Service forecast for Monday was between 10 and 14 inches of daytime accumulation. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for U.S. 2 until 10 p.m.

The Northwest Avalanche Center issued a backcountry avalanche warning for the Stevens Pass Ski Resort area.

Anyone who must travel through there is advised to keep blankets, an extra flashlight, food and water.