Forecasters urge caution while driving as snow continues throughout eastern Idaho
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RIGBY – As the song says, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
Locals throughout eastern Idaho were greeted Saturday morning with a blanket of snow on the ground.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Pocatello predicted snow and high winds this weekend, and a winter storm watch from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon with moderate to heavy snow for the mountain areas.
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“Another storm arrives Monday during the day. However, the second storm is weaker. Also included are Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings that start today (Saturday), with most ending sometime Sunday,” the National Weather Service posted on Facebook Saturday morning.
The winter weather advisory, which remains in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday, impacts communities in and around Rexburg, Rigby, Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and Soda Springs, according to a map on the NWS website. It bypasses Pocatello, although there was about .4 inches of snow at the NWS’s Pocatello office around 9 a.m. Saturday.
The winter weather advisory also extends into West Yellowstone. The brunt of the snowfall is expected in Central Idaho north of Carey and south of Richfield, forecasters say. Between four and eight inches is possible with eight to 12 inches in the Lost River Mountain Range.
Still, meteorologists are urging people throughout eastern Idaho to be cautious if they’re driving.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” forecasters say. “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”
A stronger winter storm warning is in effect in Island Park, Dubois, Mackay, Arco, Driggs, Jackson and Palisades.
Heavy snow is expected in these areas with six to 12 inches below 7,000 feet and 10 to 21 inches above 7,000 feet.
The winter storm warning is also in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the NWS says on its website.
A complete forecast and live weather cams are available on the EastIdahoNews.com weather page. The latest road conditions and closures are available here.
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