WEATHER & ROAD: Winter weather continues, still flooding concerns
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IDAHO FALLS — The winterlike storm that hit eastern Idaho Tuesday night will continue throughout Wednesday, May 17.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect for the following counties: Clark, Lemhi, Fremont, western Madison, Teton, western Bonneville, Jefferson, Caribou, Bear Lake, Onieda, Bannock, Franklin and Power. Between 2 and 8 inches of snow could fall at the higher elevations today and 1 to 3 inches in the valleys. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m.
A high wind advisory also is still in effect. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected with gusts of 50 mph in the following cities: Burley, Rupert, Heyburn, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Pocatello, Malad City, Oakley and Rockland. Winds are expected to be strongest over Cassia County, particularly Interstate 84 from Burley to the Utah border, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm warning is in effect for the following communities: Stanley, Clayton, Hailey, Ketchum, Bellevue, Arco, Challis and Mackay. Between 3 and 6 inches of snow could fall in the mountains. Between 1 and 3 inches of snow is predicted in the valleys.
FLOODING:
Emergency management officials are reporting flooding along rivers in Custer, Blaine and Butte counties.
The Big Wood River near Hailey and the Salmon River from Stanley to the Lemhi County Line are flooding above their banks and flooding is expected to continue over the next few days.
The Big Lost River near Mackay and Antelope Creek near Darlington also are flooding. Officials say many back country roads many be inundated with water and washed out. Travel in those areas is not advised.
The Portneuf River is measuring at 9.8 feet, way above its flood stage. Minor flooding is occurring along its banks and moderate flooding is predicted with the increased rain throughout the week.
The Bear River in Bear Lake County is also rising. The river is measuring above flood stage at 8.6 feet and is expected to reach 8.8 feet by Saturday. Minor flooding is occurring on rural roads and in fields and pasture land in the Pegram and Dingle area. Driveways to low lying homes next to the river near Dingle may have water across them. Some basements of low lying homes next to the river will experience seepage.
The Henrys Fork of the Snake River has declined and is no longer under a flood watch or warning.
SEE YOUR COMPLETE EASTIDAHONEWS.COM 10-DAY FORECAST HERE
DAILY FORECAST:
Idaho Falls, Rigby and Rexburg
The Upper Snake River Plain will see scattered snow showers in the morning and more snow in the afternoon. Up to 2 inches of snow could fall with highs of 38 to 45 degrees. Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph will decrease to between 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. It’ll be cloudy at night with a 50 percent chance of rain or snow. Up to 2 inches of snow are possible with sustained winds of 10 to 15 mph.
Pocatello, Fort Hall and Blackfoot
The Lower Snake River Plain will see scattered snow showers in the morning and numerous showers in the afternoon accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. Up to 2 inches of snow is possible and it will be very windy. Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph will decreased to between 10 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Highs of 36 to 45 degrees are expected. At night it’ll be cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain and snow. An additional 2 inches of snow is possible with lows of 28 to 35 degrees and decreasing winds.
St. Anthony, Ashton, Island Park, Driggs and Victor
The Upper Snake Highlands will see widespread snow showers throughout the day with between 2 to 4 inches of snow possible. Highs of 37 to 44 degrees are expected. Snow and rain will continue at night with an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow possible. Lows of 28 to 35 degrees are predicted.
Arco, Challis and Mackay
The Lost Rivers area will see widespread snow showers throughout the day with between 2 and 4 inches of snow possible. Highs of 36 to 46 degrees are expected. Snow and rain will continue at night with an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow possible. Lows of 30 to 37 degrees are expected.
Henry, Soda Springs, Downey and Lava Hot Springs
The Caribou Highlands will seed scattered snow showers in the morning and then more snow in the afternoon. It’ll be breezy with between 1 to 3 inches of snow possible. Highs of 36 to 43 degrees are expected. It’ll be mostly cloudy at night with a continued chance of snow showers and lows of 24 to 31 degrees.
ROAD CONDITIONS:
No major road closures are in effect as of Wednesday at 10 a.m.
The Idaho Transportation Department is reporting difficult driving conditions on Interstate 15 between Dubois and Lima, Montana. Snow and slush are on the roadway.
Similar winter driving conditions are being reported on Idaho Highway 28 between Lone Pine and the Montana State Line.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
ITD is working on a resurfacing project on Interstate 15. Eight miles between the Lava Beds near Blackfoot and the Bonneville County Line are reduced to one lane in both directions until midsummer. Bridge construction work also is in progress, which has closed sections of the road. A detour is in operation.
A portion of Interstate 84 has been reduced to one lane due to bridge construction. Approximately 10 miles between Exit 211 to U.S. Highway 30 near Burley to Exit 222 to Interstate 86 are affected. Speed reductions are in force.
A section of Idaho Highway 39 is closed between Butte Road and Anderson Road for bridge construction. A detour is in effect. Signs have been placed detailing the detour.
A traffic signal upgrade is underway at the State Street and Main Street intersection in Rigby. A temporary four-way stop condition is in effect until June 23.
Shoulder work is underway on Interstate 15 near Spencer between Sheep Station Road and Spencer Road. The right lane is closed and speed reductions are in effect. Construction should be complete by June 1.
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