SPOKANE, Wash. — Schools throughout eastern Washington are closed or delayed after a snowstorm dumped at least three inches of snow on Spokane overnight.
Tens of thousands of residents in Spokane and North Idaho are without power on Wednesday morning. Fallen tree limbs have also left many roads impassable.
Spokane Public Schools announced at about 5 a.m. on Wednesday that all schools would be closed due to widespread power outages and downed trees.
SPS Spokesperson Brian Coddington said normal school operations are currently planned for Thursday. If that changes, families will receive notification early Thursday morning.
All school activities, programs and facility usage scheduled for Wednesday are also canceled and a make-up day will be communicated later, according to the district.
"We will continue to evaluate conditions and you will be notified tomorrow morning only if there are additional changes to the regular school schedule," SPS said in a message on Facebook.
A handful of private schools are also closed around the Spokane area, including several Catholic schools, Faith Baptist Academy, Palisades Christian Academy and Pride Prep.
Cheney and Nine Mile Falls School Districts initially announced a two-hour delay but has since closed for the day.
Reardan-Edwall School District is opening two hours late.
Central Valley, West Valley and Mead School Districts have not announced delays or closings.
Eastern Washington University and Spokane Community Colleges announced that they have power and will be open for the day. They ask students and staff to use caution when getting to school, and to let professors and supervisors know if they are unable to make it to school.
Gonzaga University will also operate as normal.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.