More snow expected today

The Inland Northwest is under a break in the region’s latest winter storm, but a secondary low pressure area is now moving over western Washington and heading east. From 1 to 2 additional inches of snow may fall later today into tonight as that next storm surge reaches the region, according to the National Weather Service. Snow showers may continue tonight into Thursday across the region. A winter storm warning has been lifted in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas. Idaho’s northern panhandle should see 2 to 5 inches of snow in the valleys and 4 to 8 inches in the mountains. A winter storm warning remains in effect for Northeast Washington and the northern portion of North Idaho. There is compact snow and ice on many roadways and the Washington Department of Transportation advises caution, although warming temperatures, plowing, deicers and sun have helped break up snow pack on main roads in urban areas locally. But early in the day from 4 to 9 a.m., a total of 76 collisions were reported in the Spokane County area, and those are just the ones that were reported to authorities, said Spokane Police Officer Teresa Fuller in a Twitter feed. Gusty winds are also a threat in the upper Columbia Basin. Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 is open with traction tires advised.