SPOKANE, Wash. — Multiple power outages have been reported across the Inland Northwest as Thursday's snowstorm continues to impact everything, from the morning commute to school schedules.
The storm, which began overnight on Wednesday and will continue into Thursday, is expected to bring more than half a foot of new snow to areas across the Inland Northwest, including the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene areas.
Several widespread power outages have been reported early into the day, with more expected as snowfall continues.
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park announced via Facebook that the power went out in the park and surrounding areas at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday. The ski park will not be open until the outage is resolved.
Here are the current power outages affecting customers throughout the Inland Northwest:
Avista
Eight active outages have been reported through Avista. More than 230 customers are affected by the outage, the majority of which are in the area east of Sandpoint.
The full list of power outages can be viewed here.
Inland Power and Light
Bonner County is reporting 341 outages, more than 17% of the customers they serve. The cause of these outages is still being determined, according to the website.
Spokane County is currently reporting 255 outages. The cause of these outages is also still being determined.
The full list of power outages can be viewed here.
If you are aware of a power outage not listed, contact your power company to report an outage:
- Avista: 1-800-227-9187 or text OUT to 284-782 or report your outage online or through Avista’s mobile device at www.myavista.com/outage or by calling the hotline listed above
- Inland Power and Light: 877-668-8243
- Kootenai Electric: 1-877-744-1055 or through Kootenai Electric’s SmartHub app
- Northern Lights: 866-665-4837
- Pend Orielle Public Utility: 509-447-3137
- Vera Water and Power: 1-888-774-8272
Winter storm warnings are in effect for Central Washington, Spokane, Coeur D’Alene and areas eastward. The watch will remain in effect until Thursday afternoon.
Snowfall totals will generally be between four and eight inches across the area, including in Spokane. Northern Washington and far North Idaho could push six to ten inches of snow, with the Silver Valley potentially gaining upwards of 12-14 inches at the top end of forecast snow totals.
Areas south of Interstate 90 may see the snow switch to a rain and snow mix by Thursday afternoon as the warm front advances into the region. The Tri-Cities are only expected to gain one to two inches of snow before a switchover to rainfall. In northern Washington and the higher elevations of the mountains, however, it's an all-snow storm.