Flooding, road closures reported in parts of North Idaho

Heavy rain, rising temperatures and snowmelt have led to flooding in many Inland Northwest areas, including sections of Kootenai, Shoshone, Latah and Benewah counties.

Flood warnings continued Monday for the St. Joe River at Calder and St. Maries, the Coeur d’Alene River near Cataldo, and the Palouse River near Potlatch, the National Weather Service said.

Significant flooding has been reported along the St. Joe River Road from St. Maries to Avery. The river is expected to begin receding Jan. 25. There have also been reports of minor flooding from the St. Joe River at Calder in Shoshone County, which is expected to end this evening.

Road closures have been reported along the Coeur d’Alene River from Cataldo to Kellogg. There are reports of inundated roads in Cataldo. CCC Road and Latour Creek Road have been closed to traffic until safe travel can be resumed. The river is expected to crest early today. The Shoshone County sheriff initiated an evacuation Monday for the Old Coeur d’Alene River Road from milepost 6 to milepost 16 due to severe flooding in the area.

A flood warning also continues for the Palouse River at Potlatch in Latah County until this morning.

The weather service reminds people to never drive through flooded areas, as the water may be too deep for safe passage. As little as one foot of water on the road can move vehicles off the road.

Staff report