So much snow

Record snowfall in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley led to a rare day off for area students Wednesday, as at least 6.6 inches of snow accumulated throughout the day.

The National Weather Service in Spokane reported just after 5 p.m. Wednesday that the valley had received 4.2 inches of snow since midnight — a record for Feb. 20 — and 6.6 inches since the storm’s beginning.

Wednesday was the second snow day for the Lewiston School District since about 1920, according to Superintendent Bob Donaldson. The last time the district closed for a snow day was Dec. 15, 2016.

The Lewiston and Clarkston school districts originally reported a two-hour late start, but by 8 a.m. Wednesday both districts had canceled classes. The Asotin-Anatone School District operated on its normal schedule.

Other school closures in the region included districts in Genesee, Kamiah, Lapwai, Orofino, Pomeroy and Pullman.

Early morning reports in Pullman showed an accumulation of 5.5 inches, while 3 inches had accumulated in Moscow. Updated totals were not immediately available.

The weather service predicted the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley would get 2-3 inches of snow Wednesday, but the storm brought forth more flakes than expected, leading to several road closures as well.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the only road closure that was still in effect was 10th Street from Seventh Avenue to Miller Street.

Garbage pickup for some area residents was also impacted. Sunshine Disposal and Recycling encouraged people to leave their trash carts out until conditions improved and employees were able to collect the garbage.

Today should bring a respite from the snow, but flurries are expected to continue Friday.

“For the Lewiston area, this should be a very light event, with under an inch (of snow),” said Steve Bodnar, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane. “There will be heavier amounts as you get into the Central Panhandle Mountains out toward Deary, Harvard and Clarkia.”

The Moscow-Pullman area is expected to receive another 1 to 2 inches.

There is a chance of snow into the weekend, but Bodnar said conditions may change. Even if the snow does subside, the cooler temperatures are expected to stay.

The cold snap is expected to bring overnight lows into the teens, while outlying areas could see single digits, Bodnar said.

“The cold temperatures are going to be here for quite awhile,” Bodnar said. “Right now, for at least the next 10 to 14 days, there will be below-normal temperatures.”

The snow provided the Grangeville High School football team with an opportunity to give back. Players volunteered to shovel driveways and sidewalks to thank their community for the support they received during the season.

Tomtas may be contacted at jtomtas@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2294. Follow her on Twitter @jtomtas.