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Winter storm brings bad roads, school closures as more snow is expected

Severe winter storm brings school cancellations, avalanche warnings, and challenging driving conditions across the state.

Credit: ITD

BOISE, Idaho — Winter has hit Idaho in full force, bringing with it cold, blistery conditions with snow expected across Idaho. Severe winter weather has brought a flurry of school closures, while the road conditions worsen with more snowfall.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Advisory for the Boise area, with an expected snowfall of two to five inches on Friday, and another four to eight inches on Saturday.

Ada Co. drivers woke up to find a 1-inch dusting of snow on roads, which resulted in a slippery commute. By 10:30 a.m., dispatchers got reports of 23 crashes and 5 slide-offs. Driver’s should expect scattered snow and plummeting temps today so please be careful out there. pic.twitter.com/xnYnHH92c3
— Ada County Sheriff (@AdaCoSheriff) January 12, 2024

Our crews are working around the clock to clear snow and ice. Sometimes however, roads need to be closed. We do this when the conditions are no longer safe for our own crews to be out. Make sure you check the road conditions in your area on Idaho 511 before heading out today. pic.twitter.com/CeDjMvwZgH
— Idaho Transportation Department (@IdahoITD) January 12, 2024

Update 8:55 AM:
We are being inundated with calls asking about highway reopenings, which takes away from our ability to assist those with emergencies. There are NO ESTIMATED TIMES FOR REOPENING.

The roads are very bad stay home. We will post updates or Check Idaho 511. pic.twitter.com/ssutISkl7w
— Blaine Co Sheriff Idaho (@BlaineCoSheriff) January 12, 2024

Good morning, Idaho! We've got major closures that occurred overnight. Check out the map below to see what's closed across the state, and check https://t.co/lRVWnFWvBC to stay updated!

Stay safe out there and stay home if you can. We're in for more weather today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/izMbnnNcKo
— Idaho Transportation Department (@IdahoITD) January 12, 2024

UPDATE: SH-21 will remain closed until our avalanche team determines its stable enough to safely send our crew in for cleanup. No cleanup will be happening today. https://t.co/PWLm77RlkY
— Idaho Transportation Department (@IdahoITD) January 12, 2024

Avalanche WARNINGS are in effect for all zones, and the danger is HIGH. Widespread avalanching is certain. Some will be large enough to snap trees or destroy a wood-frame house. https://t.co/OSS5JgYyIg pic.twitter.com/y46CMua7F9
— Sawtooth Avalanche Center (@SawtoothAvy) January 12, 2024

Traffic Alert: Idaho State Police is investigating numerous crashes and slide offs in the area of US93 between mileposts 56 and 59. Use an alternate route if at all possible. pic.twitter.com/FlEUc4muPd
— Idaho State Police - West Idaho (@ISPWesternID) January 12, 2024

School Cancellation:

Several school districts have opted into virtual learning day for their students. Compass Public Charter - Meridian, Kuna School District, Vallivue School District, and Wilder School District are districts participating.

Some other schools decided to cancel classes for Friday, and you can see the full list of closures on this page.

Nampa School District stated the following:

In light of the forecasted severe winter weather, the Nampa School District has decided to close all schools on Friday, January 12th, 2024. This decision is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

According to most forecast models, it is likely that conditions will worsen throughout the day making travel difficult. We advise families to stay informed about the weather conditions and follow local safety guidelines.

All school activities and programs scheduled for January 12th are canceled.

Traffic and Roads:

Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has had to close many roads due to the inclement weather. As of 10:00 a.m., here is a list of closures provided by ITD:

Southwest Idaho:

State Highway 21 from Grandjean Junction to Banner Summit
State Highway 21 from Idaho City to Lowman

South-Central Idaho:

U.S. Highway 93 from Jerome to Shoshone
U.S. Highway 20 from Fairfield to Mountain Home
U.S. Highway 30 from Hansen to Murtaugh
State Highway 75 from Shoshone to Timmerman
State Highway 46 from Gooding to Fairfield

Southeast Idaho:

State Highway 34 from Conda to Wyoming
State Highway 36 from SH-34 to Ovid

East Idaho:

State Highway 47 from Ashton to Bear Gulch
State Highway 32 from Tetonia to Ashton
State Highway 33 from Newdale to Tetonia. Note that Teton Pass in Wyoming is also closed.
U.S. Highway 26 from Ririe to Swan Valley
State Highway 31 from Swan Valley to Victor

Travelers can check up-to-date road conditions at Idaho511.com for Idaho roads, and TripCheck.com for Oregon roads.

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