1 Person Dead, Multiple Crashes On Interstate 5 In Kelso During Hailstorm
KELSO, Wash. — One person died and another was injured on Interstate 5 on Thursday afternoon when a hailstorm came through the area causing multiple crashes involving semis, passenger vehicles and a motorcycle.
75-year-old Charlene Flannigan from Reno, Nevada died after she lost control of her motorcycle in the northbound lanes near the Lexington Bridge/MP 42 just before 2:15pm, crashed into the median and was knocked off her bike. Authorities say she was wearing a helmet.
The crashes blocked all lanes for several hours. The southbound lanes were closed until around 4:30pm; the northbound lanes reopened around 5:30.
Right before southbound fully opened pic.twitter.com/ewaxaK1vnO
— Kate (@hkexpat11) May 19, 2022
Washington State Patrol reports there were multiple crashes in both directions of the freeway.
Kelso NB/SB I5 – Multiple crashes, 1 fatality. Heavy Hail storm came through area. Expect delays both directions. Getting assistance from @SheriffCowlitz. pic.twitter.com/gaImxVJ6Tn
— Trooper Will Finn (@wspd5pio) May 19, 2022