Kootenai County officials in north Idaho have declared a state of emergency saying resources to handle the recent string of snowstorms are being taxed to the limit. The county now hopes to expedite a request for federal assistance through the Idaho Department of Homeland Security.
Officials indicated their main concerns are possible collapses because of snow accumulation on buildings and roads, snow build up on streets and parking lots, possible mass power outages, depletion of manpower resources, and elderly and disabled residents needing help with transportation and snow removal.
County officials are asking residents to cooperate with city and county crews, and assist by uncovering fire hydrants, not shoveling snow into public streets, keeping personal vehicles off public roads, and not putting out garbage if not absolutely necessary. Some officials also voiced concerns regarding price gouging activities in light of all the demands for snow removal assistance.
Many other north Idaho communities have also reportedly declared states of emergency.
The City of Pullman, Washington Public Works Department is advising owners of buildings with decks and or flat roof tops to consider taking measures to remove excessive snow buildup. Officials say its particularly critical for wet snow or for rain on snow conditions. Excessive snow weight could cause damage, including collapse. Only qualified persons should remove snow from roofs and caution should be exercised so as not to damage the roof surface.
As the winter season moves into its peak time, the Idaho Transportation Department is advising motorists and travelers to plan ahead prior to driving on Idaho’s roadways. Mel Coulter with the ITD says the quickest and easiest way to find out current road and weather conditions is just a phone call or computer mouse click away.
ITD’s Mel Coulter comments
511 is updated at least twice per day during the week and at least once per day on weekends. However, as conditions change, information is updated as soon as crews report in. For more information contact the Idaho Transportation Department at (208) 334-8002 or visit the website at www.itd.idaho.gov
Heavy winds and drifting snow have created several problems for crews working to clear roads across the region. In Idaho County, several roads have become impassable for some vehicles and officials are advising residents not to travel if at all avoidable. Idaho County Disaster Management Coordinator Jerry Zumwalt says some roads have been blown shut shortly after snowplows open them.
Jerry Zumwalt, Idaho County Disaster Mgt Coordinator, comments
While no roads have been closed at this point, conditions are very poor.
Zumwalt continues
Additionally, several advisories have been issued for Clearwater County including a heavy snow warning, winter storm warning and a snow and blowing snow advisory.
Forecasters say another 1-3 inches of snow could hit Idaho’s low-lying areas, and 2-4 inches in the mountains. Meanwhile, the Idaho State Police is requesting emergency and essential travel only on the roadways in North Idaho. In some areas there are blizzard-like conditions and low visibility. ISP is also advising all semi-trucks to chain up when traveling on all roads in North Idaho, including Interstate-90.
Weather conditions continue to grip travellers and keep road crews busy around the state of Idaho, especially in North Central Idaho. Know before you go by getting online and checking 511 road conditions.
A five-day streak of days reaching triple-digit temperatures came to an end Sunday when the high in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley hit 97 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, the heat wave began July 10th when the high reached 100 – temperatures over the following four days were 103, 101, 103 and 102 degrees. The last long string of consecutive days with a high of 100 degrees or more was last year from July 21-27. The record high in Lewiston was set in 1939 when the daytime high reached 117 degrees.
