We are on Snow Day #3. There is so much snow! I am feeling claustrophobic with the narrow streets, 6 foot high “tunnels”, and trees so heavy they can barely stand. Roofs are collapsing, the roads are nearly impassible, power is intermittent… and more is on the way! Please pray for the elderly, the people with special needs, and for everyone’s safety. City Hall is considering declaring a state of emergency to deal with snow removal, road conditions, damage, heating issues, and dangerous conditions. We are hunkered in, warm and cozy for now, with plenty of cocoa. Pray for our home to stay safe, and for our power (heat) to stay on. Yikes! Another day to catch up on some work… I will update again soon if power/connection allows. Trying to keep everyone safe and happy. :*)

http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=7780241

http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=7254841&nav=menu438_3_3

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST FRIDAY…

STEADY SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH DAWN FRIDAY. EXPECT 6 TO 10
INCHES OF NEW SNOW IN THE VALLEYS ON AVERAGE AND UP TO TWO FEET OF
NEW SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS BY EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.

GUSTY WINDS DURING THE STORM WILL CAUSE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW
ON EXPOSED TERRAIN.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

Ready for the next round

Posted: Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 – 09:39:57 pm PST
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By SEAN GARMIRE
Staff writer

Commissioners could declare state of emergency if conditions get any worse

COEUR d’ALENE — As another round of heavy snow moves into the area today, Kootenai County commissioners will decide whether to declare a state of emergency.

That emergency declaration is “pretty darn close,” said Sandy Von Behren, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management.

An assortment of government and service agencies met Wednesday to discuss progress and problems associated with cleanup efforts so far, and to prepare for more intense weather.

Their responses were almost all the same: Resources are running out.

Snow-covered powerlines continue to fall, roofs collapse under the strain of heavy snow, roadways grow narrower and emergency agencies are running out of personnel to respond.

The agencies’ requests will be brought to Kootenai County commissioners, who will decide if a declaration of emergency is necessary to draw personnel and other resources from the state.

Emergency responders requested help for downed power lines, and the Coeur d’Alene School District reported a shortage in workers to clear snow off their roofs, which has proven to be a Herculean task due to the district’s more than a million square feet of roof space.

Agencies called for collaboration between their staff, and asked Kootenai County officials to examine their resources to find additional help to catch up before storms hit again.

And the storms are coming.

National Weather Service meteorologist Kerry Jones said another storm will move over the area early today, depositing 5 to 7 inches of snow.

Road crews in Coeur d’Alene are working non-stop to clear roads, but lacking sufficient workers, other road agencies said they can’t work 24-hours.

All the road agencies report they are running out of space to put the snow.