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Snow causes many school delays, closures in Spokane area, North Idaho

Chase Middle School computer applications and yearbook instructor, Brian Claypool walks his bike to school through the new snowfall before class, Wednesday morning, Jan. 23, 2019, in Spokane, Wash. Claypool said he though by afternoon most snow would be gone and he could ride home. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
From staff reports

Several area schools delayed or canceled classes Wednesday as a storm brought several inches of snow and slick roads.

Districts in Spokane County that announced two-hour delays were: Central Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, Freeman, Great Northern, Liberty, Medical Lake, Nine Mile Falls and Reardan-Edwall.

East Valley School District announced a 90-minute delay.

Many districts in North Idaho announced closures, including Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland.

For a full list of closures and delays, check KHQ.

The National Weather Service reported that the Spokane International Airport received 4.5 inches in the storm. The snow turned to rain at the airport about 3 a.m. Most of the snow fell before midnight, said Joey Clevenger, weather service meteorologist.

A snowman overlooks sledders at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d
A snowman overlooks sledders at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d’Alene on Wednesday, Jan.23, 2019. Most area schools were closed for a snow day. (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo

In Spokane, plow efforts began Tuesday night as rain turned to snow. Marlene Feist, city spokeswoman, said crews were focusing on hills, arterials and school routes Wednesday morning, however, they planned to plow residential areas later in the day.

The weather service received reports of 5 to 6 inches in Colville and about 5 inches in Hayden, Nine Mile and St. Maries.

Mountain areas received 10 to 15 inches. Mount Spokane reported 11 inches, 49-degrees North reported 12 and Lookout Pass reported 10.

Inland Power reported that about 720 customers, mostly in Spokane and Stevens counties, were without power at about 8 a.m.

Avista Utilties reported that about 2,000 customers were without power in Eastern Washington and North Idaho as of 8 a.m.

Kootenai Electric reported about 250 customers without power at about 6 a.m.