11/23/2010
Winter storm closes most eastern Idaho highways
RIGBY ‑ An ongoing winter storm has closed most state highways in the region this morning, including Interstate 15 north of Idaho Falls, the Idaho Transportation Department reported.
The storm closed Idaho 33 between Newdale and the junction of Idaho 33 and Idaho 32 near Tetonia Sunday at 8:10 p.m. and Idaho 32 between Idaho 33 and Idaho 47 near Ashton Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Blowing and drifting snow also closed Idaho 47 between Ashton and Bear Gulch (milepost 2‑12) Monday at 5:15 a.m. and U.S. 20 between Ashton and Island Park Lodge (milepost 361‑394) Monday at 11:30 a.m.
This morning, ongoing blizzard conditions closed I‑15 between Idaho Falls and Montana, U.S. 26 between Ririe and Swan Valley, U.S. 20 between Ashton and Montana and between Idaho Falls and the junction of U.S. 20 and 26 at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) puzzle, Idaho 33 between Arco and Rexburg, Idaho 22 between Dubois and its junction with Idaho 33, Idaho 87 between Henry's Lake and Montana, U.S. 93 between Mackay and Challis (just reopened), and Idaho 29 between Leadore and Montana.
There is no estimate of when the roads will reopen.
Idaho State University and most schools in Pocatello are closed, as are some businesses including the INL in Idaho Falls and in the desert west of town.
Traffic accidents are occurring throughout the region. Slick surfaces from snow and ice accumulations characterize virtually all state and local roads. The transportation department urges motorists to avoid traveling in eastern Idaho today if possible.
Crews are working 24 hours a day clearing roads, but the forecast is for continued winds and precipitation suggesting ongoing travel challenges.
Crews will continue plowing and sanding, but no amount of road maintenance can make slick roads perfectly safe. Drivers who must travel are urged to slow down and proceed with caution.
The forecast is for the storm that arrived Saturday to continue through tonight. Winds gusting up to 35 mph blew throughout last night and continue today, with snow falling intermittently.
Wind gusts to 50 mph are predicted in some parts of the region today, with temperatures forecast to dip below zero tonight.
For current highway and weather conditions throughout the state, access the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5‑1‑1 from phones within Idaho. For out‑of‑state travelers, the toll‑free number for Idaho's 511 Traveler Services system is (888) 432‑7623. Reports are updated as conditions change.