Winter storm watch issued; ID 32 closed due to blowing snow - East Idaho News
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Winter storm watch issued; ID 32 closed due to blowing snow

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IDAHO FALLS — The first major winter storm of 2018 is bearing down on eastern Idaho this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the following counties: Fremont, Teton, western Madison, western Bonneville, Bannock, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin and Oneida. The storm watch is in effect from Friday evening until early Sunday.

The heaviest snow will mostly stick to areas above 7,000 feet, with between 8 and 17 inches expected and 3 to 9 inches expected above 6,000 feet. Winds in excess of 15 mph, at times approaching 30 mph, will cause heavy drifting snow with low visibilities, according to NWS.

The valleys are also expected to see up to 3 inches of snow throughout the weekend. Winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected in the valleys.

Travel will be hazardous with slippery roads and reduced visibility throughout the region, particularly in the high elevation highways and mountain passes.

Snow is already beginning to make travel difficult on roads near the Montana and Wyoming borders. Idaho Highway 32 between Ashton and Tetonia has been closed due to blowing snow.

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