Snowfall in Spokane County this morning and Friday was far less than expected, the National Weather Service said. But totals in some locations in North Idaho came close to the 11-inches or more that were predicted, said Bob Tobin, National Weather Service forecaster, this morning.
The total in southeast Spokane was measured at three inches.
But officials caution that even without the large accumulation, roads remain slick.
The Washington State Patrol confirmed that a person was killed in a two-car crash five miles south of Colfax on U.S. Highway 195 this morning.
The most significant snowfall from the storm are over in Spokane, though sporadic snow showers could bring an additional inch or so today. The winter storm warning will remain in effect until early Sunday morning because of blowing snow, Tobin said.
Frigid temperatures will then move in. Sunday night could see temperatures as low as 8 below zero. Monday night is expected to be even colder.
Wind chills – the feeling of cold on the skin – could reach minus-27 degrees in Spokane and elsewhere Monday morning, and low temperatures could bottom out Tuesday morning at minus-15 if skies are clear overnight.
Cold is expected to persist throughout next week.
Heavy snow in Rathdrum caused the city to issue a snow emergency, which orders residents to move vehicles off the streets to make room for snow plows.
“We’ve got about three or four inches of wet slick snow out there,” said Chet Anderson, public works director.
Plows will likely start late tonight, he said.
Public agencies have been getting the word out that people need to be take precautions. Here is a summary:
• Homes should be prepared for power outages with a flashlight, fresh batteries, candles, matches and a manual can opener. A wind-up clock is smart, too. Never use fuel-powered energy or heat in an enclosed space or indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.
• Have a fully charged cell phone. Know how to open garage doors manually. Assist or check on others who may be vulnerable.
• Clear your sidewalks and driveways, but don’t put snow into alleys and streets. It just moves the problem from one spot to another and is considered unneighborly. Help elders or disabled persons.
• Water pipes can be vulnerable to freezing. Make sure they are insulated in cold spaces. Leave a dripping faucet to prevent ice build up. Never thaw pipes with an open flame. Know where the main shutoff is in case of a break. Seal off cracks and air leakage along a foundation and into a basement.
• For pets and other animals, make sure they have adequate shelter and unfrozen food and water if left outside. Or move them inside.
• Motorists are advised to slow down and carry winter supplies such as emergency food, water, sand, a shovel and flares or reflectors.
• Know the current conditions and weather before leaving.
• Call 5-1-1 in Washington or Idaho, or (800) 695-ROAD in Washington and (888) 432-7623 in Idaho, for travel information.
• On the Web, go to
wsdot.wa.gov or
itd.idaho.gov and follow the links. For mobile Web browsers in Idaho, try 511.idaho.gov.
• Washington and Idaho have networks of traffic cameras. Real-time traffic information is available in the Spokane area at
www.srtmc.org.
• Customized weather forecasts are available from the National Weather Service at
www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx. Point your cursor at your location on the map and click there – a custom forecast will appear.
• Be equipped with adequate traction devices.
• Make sure the vehicle has adequate coolant protection.
• Clear snow and ice from all windows before you drive.
• Don’t try to out-drive the conditions.
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Leave at least 200 feet of room for maintenance vehicles and plows.
• Never pass a snowplow on the right. (There may be a blade extension or compressed, rolling snow.)
• Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle or with studded tires.
• Watch out for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the road is in good condition.
• Don’t use cruise control.
• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally would.
• Don’t follow too closely.
• Slow down!
• Carry emergency food, water, clothing, blankets, flashlight, flares or reflectors and a small supply of traction material.
