Approaching snow storms expected to move February into second-snowiest on record

February is ending with another two snowstorms that could total eight inches at most.

They are likely to enter this month into second place for two records – most total snowfall in February on record and most days in February on record with snow.

“Our winter here is not over,” said Tom Dang, a meteorologist with the Spokane branch of the National Weather Service.

Dang said the first snowstorm will likely start mid-morning Wednesday, bringing 1 to 3 inches and ending by mid-afternoon Wednesday.

“There’s a second system right on its heels,” he said.

Late Wednesday night through Thursday, Spokane is forecast for the second snowstorm to get 3 to 5 inches, Dang said, and the Thursday morning commute will likely see the worst of the dangerous conditions.

Those two storms will likely make February the second-snowiest on record.

As of Tuesday, Spokane has seen 26.9 inches of snow in February, measured at the Spokane International Airport. That’s currently the third most snow in February on record, Dang said. If Spokane gets 1.6 more inches before the month ends, it will surpass 1975’s record of 28.5 inches. (The No. 1 spot goes to February 1893 with 39.6 inches of snow.)

If Spokane sees one more day of any snowfall, it will be tied for the second-most total days with snow in Spokane at 14 days. (The No. 1 spot for that record is 21 days.)

Spokane is also seeing the 7th coldest February on record, Dang said.

Monday’s snow

Snow fell on many areas south of Spokane on Monday, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Amanda Young. Lewiston received 4 inches, while Spokane only received a trace of snow. Northeast winds topping 20 to 30 mph caused drifting snow that covered many roadways to the south.

Washington State University’s Pullman campus as well as some local school districts delayed the start of classes Tuesday as a result of icy conditions.

WSU canceled all classes before 10 a.m. At about 11:15 a.m., Avista Utilities reported widespread power outages in Pullman, with about 3,700 customers affected, including WSU.

The university alerted students that the campus was experiencing a near-campus outage, however all dining centers were open and had power, as well as the student union building and Chinook.

In Spokane County, the Liberty and Reardan-Edwall school districts also delayed classes by two hours.

Many other districts to the south and east of Spokane, including Pullman and Rosalia, delayed school. A full list is available here.