SPOKANE, Wash. — Icy roads and tree damage across Spokane are still posing problems for some residents after a record-breaking snowstorm slammed the area on Friday.
On Friday, Oct. 23, Spokane broke the record for the most single-day snowfall in the month of October with 6.8 inches. Another 0.6 inches fell at the Spokane International Airport after midnight.
Marlene Feist, a spokesperson for the City of Spokane, said crews are continuing snow work on Monday with deicing on major roadways that started in the early morning. They will also continue some cleanup plowing in residential areas.
The Washington State Department of Transportation's eastern region said in a tweet on Monday morning that its crews are still clearing shoulders of Interstate 90 and working to push snow back on the on and off-ramps on Monday.
Washington State Patrol troopers responded to 129 crashes during Friday's snowstorm, with 91 of those in Spokane County.
Though temperatures remain at record low levels, troopers have not reported any crashes in Spokane County on Monday.
The temperature dropped to 14 degrees at the Spokane International Airport on Monday, shattering the previous record of 19 degrees set in 1978. The high temperature is expected to sit in the mid-30s on Monday.
By the end of the week, most of the snow should be gone as temperatures will climb back into the 50s on Friday.
190 locations for downed trees, branches remain on city's list
The City of Spokane reported on Sunday that the number of reports of downed trees and limbs blocking the road had grown to 200.
Crews prioritized opening blocked arterials and residential streets, and then moved on to removing debris.
Parks' operations teams will also evaluate and manage tree damage in City parks. Sidewalks may also be blocked by fallen tree limbs, which residents are asked to help clear.
Marlene Feist, a spokesperson for the City of Spokane, said on Monday that 99 trees and branches have been removed from locations throughout Spokane and 190 locations are still on the city's list.
The city has moved trees out of travel lanes and crews are now focusing on cleanup, she said. Trees and branches should no longer be blocking travel.
Crews are also continuing snow work on Monday with deicing on major roadways that started early Monday morning, Feist said. They will also continue some cleanup plowing in residential areas.
How to report trees blocking roads
Citizens can call 311 to report trees blocking the roadway. For trees stuck in power lines, citizens are asked to call Avista at 1-800-227-9187 and answer "yes" when asked if you're reporting an urgent issue. If downed power lines pose an emergency, call 911. Don't approach downed power lines.