States extend studded tire season

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Transportation is giving drivers another week to use studded tires because of the winter weather that's arrived this spring.

The department had set the deadline for removing the tires at midnight Saturday. But the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for today and Friday for heavy snow in the Cascades. The service recommends mountain travel only in an emergency.

The state agency said motorists can now leave the studded tires on until midnight April 17. After that, motorists who don't comply risk a $124 ticket.

Oregon also extended its studded tire season through April 17. According to the Idaho Transportation Department Web site, studded tires are legal through April 30.