First snowstorm of season hits

Winter storm warning in effect until Thursday

CHENEY - The first snow storm of the season moved into the area overnight, bringing several inches of snow and near whiteout conditions. All this more than 20 days before the first day of winter.

Most schools across the region were on a 2-hour delayed start or had canceled classes for the day. Eastern Washington, too, had shuttered the campus and a scheduled men's basketball game had been canceled.

Cheney School District initially called for a delayed start, but officials decided to cancel classes Tuesday morning. Medical Lake also canceled classes.

As of press time, the state Department of Transportation was reporting blowing and drifting snow on rural roadways across the region.

In Cheney, city crews were busy plowing arterial roadways first, then moving onto secondary routes. Residents were out with snowblowers and shovels trying to keep up with snowfall.

Police Chief Rick Beghtol warned motorists to "slow down and pay attention."

"We want everyone to stay aware and get home safe," he said.

South of Cheney, Wells, Cheney-Spangle and Waverly-Spangle roads all had been plowed, but drifts covered some low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, the Washington State Patrol was reporting several crashes and slide-offs on Interstate 90.

At least one tractor-trailer had jack-knifed on the median of the interstate near the Salnave Road interchange, and a box truck had slid off the road just I-90, just east of the State Highway 904 exit.

Traffic was also backed up near the interchange of I-90 and U.S. Highway195, the patrol reported.

The Tuesday morning snowfall was the first of a number of waves of snow expected Tuesday and the rest of the week.

A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday from Davenport to the Idaho state line.

The warning included Cheney, Davenport, Fairfield, Airway Heights, Rockford, Medical Lake and other nearby communities.

"Heavy snow expected," the National Weather Service warning said. "Total snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches."

Officials said those motorists braving the snow-covered roads should be prepared for getting stuck. They advised being sure to have an extra flashlight, batteries, food, water and blankets are in the vehicle.

But they also advised staying home, if possible.

"If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility," the weather service warning said.

South of Cheney, less snow was expected in the Malden and Rosalia areas. From 3-6 inches of snow was expected west of U.S. Highway 195.

"Drifting snow is expected and could further complicate travel across the Palouse," the warning for that area said.

 

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