A week that began with high winds is looking set to end with temperatures dropping into the teens and 20s at night.

Both pose their own risk to drivers, said Trooper Katherine Weatherwax of the Washington State Patrol.

The State Patrol received notice of at least seven instances of trees or branches striking vehicles, including a tree that severely damaged a semi-trailer on a state highway, Weatherwax said. The driver was remarkably uninjured.

“If you do come across a low hanging — the trees will probably fall over eventually. You should probably call those in,” Weatherwax said. “We send out DOT.”

Falling trees, exacerbated in this case by wet soil throughout Grays Harbor, fell on roads, cars and power lines, making for a busy few days for work crews.

With the wind now in the past, Weatherwax said, the focus of driving safety turns to the possibility of icy conditions.

Icy roads

The simplest way to avoid being involved in a crash brought on by icy conditions, of course, is not to play at all: stay home, where it’s safe, and where your stuff is.

“Just don’t drive and get stuck,” Weatherwax said. “That’s the best thing.”

But for those compelled by necessity, there are ways to avoid a time-consuming or dangerous crash.

“Clean off that windshield,” Weatherwax said. “Take the extra 10 minutes and defrost the entire windshield.”

Weatherwax advised, however, that it’s ill-considered to leave the car running unattended, as car theft can dismay.

Spinouts and loss of control are the biggest causes of icy-road crashes that the State Patrol usually encounters, Weatherwax said.

“They panic. That causes them to go into a ditch or strike another car,” Weatherwax said. “Don’t panic. Steer in the direction that you want to go.”

Temperature change rates and precipitation can have an effect on how slick the roads become. Icy conditions could also cause further treefalls for trees damaged or loosened by the winds, Weatherwax said.

“Pay attention to your temperate gauge,” Weatherwax said. “The roadway is usually a couple degrees colder than the air.”

Weatherwax recommended keeping everything you might need if you do get stuck in the vehicle with you — blankets, flares or traffic cones to mark your car, snacks and a portable battery for one’s phone.

“If you don’t feel safe, try your best to slowly move over. No jerky movements,” Weatherwax said. “If it gets crazy, it might be a long time before someone can come save you.”

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.