12/23/2008
Winter storm closes seven state highways
RIGBY ‑ Winter has returned to Idaho with a vengeance. Blowing and drifting snow in eastern and southern Idaho closed seven state highways in the last 18 hours, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced. Routes affected are U.S. 26, Idaho 32, Idaho 33, and Idaho 47 in eastern Idaho and Interstate 84, Idaho 77 and Idaho 81 in southern Idaho. A jack‑knifed tractor‑trailer rig just west of Newdale at 9:30 p.m. exacerbated the problem on Idaho 33. High winds caused whiteout conditions on U.S. 26. Snow fell much of yesterday, with 30 mph winds beginning yesterday afternoon. U.S. 26 reopened at 9:20 a.m. today and Idaho 33 will reopen by noon. Other routes also may reopen today, assuming conditions improve. The National Weather Service predicts more storms for the area as early as this evening. ITD encourages motorists to avoid traveling in eastern and southern Idaho today if possible. For current highway and weather conditions, access ITDs Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5‑1‑1 from phones within Idaho. The toll‑free number for Idaho's 511 Traveler Services system is (888) 432‑7623. Reports are updated as conditions change on Idaho highways.