Several school districts, government agencies and businesses have announced early closures this afternoon because of the wind storm.
Whitworth University had a pine tree fall Tuesday morning. No injuries occurred, but classes and activities closed early and non-essential employees were sent home, said Nancy Hines, communications director at Whitworth.
Eastern Washington University, WSU Spokane and Spokane’s community colleges canceled classes Tuesday afternoon.
Gonzaga University closed classes and sent employees home. The on-campus food service was kept open. Students were asked to stay in their rooms otherwise.
Spokane and Spokane County public libraries closed early.
Spokane County offices, including courts, were scheduled to close at 3 p.m. because of the weather, said Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter, spokeswoman for the county.
Kim Papich, spokeswoman for the Spokane Regional Health District, said authorities are implementing federal emergency response standards.
Spokane Public Schools canceled all after-school activities except Express care, and principals have discretion to send children home or close after-school activities, said district spokesman Kevin Morrison.
Mead schools also closed after-school activities.
West Valley schools are closing early, and they have asked parents to pick up children early.
Cheney, Nine Mile Falls and East Valley schools canceled after-school activities, as did Saint George’s School and Gonzaga Prep.
In Central Valley, parents are asked to pick up kids who normally walk to school. Classes will get out at the normal time, but after-school activities were canceled.
STCU said it would close its credit union branches at 3 p.m.
