With slushy and snow-filled roads, drivers have been caught by surprise late this fall season.

“It’s pretty crazy," said Josh Svik, on Nov. 30, who was taking a break from shoveling snow in the Redmond area. "I mean, the forecast changed a lot. I thought it was supposed to rain. Now it’s what? Five to 6 inches of snow out here.”

Even as snow plows work to clear roadways, drivers can struggle with the winter-storm conditions.

Washington State Patrol offered several tips for drivers commuting in the snow and slush:

• Increase your following distance
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes
• Allow windows to properly defrost before driving
• Keep fuel tank at least half full
• Drive with headlights on to increase visibility
• If conditions get so bad you can’t keep going, make every effort to move your vehicle off the road