BOISE, Idaho — As a large Arctic front crawls its way towards Idaho through the North, bringing possible blizzard-like conditions, transportation departments warn the public to prepare and not to travel unless they have to.
As KTVB's weather team reports, snow is expected to increase late Thursday night and continue into Friday morning. A WINTER STORM WARNING is effective beginning at 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday night for the Treasure Valley, the central mountains, and all of eastern Oregon.
Up to 5" of snow is possible in the Boise area by Friday evening, with more expected to pile up on Saturday; some weather models show the potential for 12" of snow in Boise with this storm, but there is still a good amount of uncertainty at just how much snow will accumulate.
Anticipate increasingly difficult travel conditions when 'warning' status goes into effect, especially in the mountains where snowfall will be significant. Two FEET or more is possible in elevation above 6,000 feet from Thursday through Saturday - with potential wind speeds up to 45 mph, making for white-out conditions and blowing snow causing limit visibility.
In the Magic Valley, the Owyhee Mountains, and all of eastern Idaho, a BLIZZARD WARNING begins at 5 p.m. Thursday for near white-out conditions at times due to wind gusts up to 60mph combined with heavy snow. Snow will likely hold off in the Twin Falls area until late Thursday, but up to 8" is possible by the time the storm starts winding down on Saturday.
Ada County Highway District
On Thursday, ACHD announced they will be working around the clock and are switching to a 24-hour snow operation.
ACHD said in a news release that over the next several days, the department will be alternating 12-hour shifts to help keep the roads clear. ACHD said it hired on-call contractors to assist in snow removal if needed.
ACHD said the winter operations consist of 156 people with 67 units and 43 of them are mounted with snowplows.
While they have been preparing for the winter snow, ACHD wants to remind the public to remain vigilant and be aware of snowplows on the road. They said plows have blind spots, and drivers should avoid following too closely and stay at least 30 feet behind the plow.
ACHD provided a list of tips for driving in the winter weather:
- Commuters should plan for a slower commute and leave plenty of time to get to their destinations safely.
- Move slowly and take extra caution when following other vehicles to account for additional stopping distance.
- Before heading out, drivers should ensure their vehicle is in good working order. Checking the tread depth on tires, testing windshield wipers and fluid, and ensuring all lights are in good working order will help keep themselves and others safe.
- Drivers should clear the entire windshield, hood, top of the vehicle, headlights and taillights of snow and ice before driving.
- Commuters should drive with headlights on for higher visibility.
- Avoid distractions and stay alert to fellow commuters, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
- Part of safe winter driving is knowing when not to drive. Those who are uncomfortable driving in winter conditions should stay off the roads.
ACHD also provided a link to which roads they prioritize.
Idaho Transportation Department
Ahead of the storm, ITD urged the public to stay home if they don't need to travel. But said for those needing to commute in the severe winter weather conditions to remain vigilant and keep an eye on the road because the last storm led to four of their snowplows becoming stuck.
ITD said on Wednesday, Jan. 11, one of their snowplows was hit on I-84 near the Black Creek Rest Area. The plow was removing snow from the shoulder, and there was an accident ahead, forcing traffic to merge, then a merging semi crashed into the truck.
Nobody was injured, but ITD said this is the fourth plow to be hit this winter.
ITD said they will work around the clock and have 86 snowplows with crews working 12-hour shifts to help clear highways across Southwest Idaho.
For the most updated information on road conditions visit the ITD's 511.
Oregon Department of Transportation
For Idaho residents planning on traveling west on I-84 to Oregon, officials warn that public travel may be impossible.
According to ODOT, I-84 has the lowest elevation they are expecting blizzard-like and freezing conditions, and there is a possibility the road will close. They said the area is their highest priority and will monitor all routes and will close the roads if they become impossible to pass.
For the public to receive updated information about road conditions, visit ODOT's website.
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