The National Weather Service calls this morning an “historic freezing rain event.” A spokesman says Boise was the hardest hit by the ice. The conditions closed schools, highways, and caused cars to slip and slide. The Ada County Sheriff’s Office reports more than 41 crashes this morning and 32 slide offs or stalled cars.
Christine Myron is with the Ada County Highway District. She says the storm made driving a challenge everywhere. “I can tell you we’ve gone through approximately 60,000 of our de-icer since about 2 a.m. this morning and of course that number will just continue to grow as the day progresses and we continue to treat problems spots.”
ACHD has 40 trucks on the roads, some are used for sanding, others for de-icing. Myron says the trucks go first to main roads and intersections, bridge decks, schools, and hospitals. Hills are also a priority and she says there have been a lot of calls from the foothills today, requesting help.
The National Weather Service does not expect the temperature to go above freezing in the Treasure Valley today. That will keep the ice in place. More fog is expected tonight. Another weather system should roll in tomorrow afternoon, bringing rain and warmer temperatures.
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