Surprise ice storm blankets region

A surprise ice storm covered the Spokane region overnight as temperatures stayed below freezing longer than expected.

About a quarter inch of ice was measured this morning at the National Weather Service office on the West Plains, said meteorologist Bryce Williams.

The temperature didn’t rise above 32 degrees until about 7 a.m., he said.

Forecasters had expected precipitation to turn to rain much earlier in the morning.

The weather service issued an ice storm warning about 3:15 a.m. That is set to expire at 10 a.m./ SR . More here.