Winter weather wreaks havoc in central Idaho

Heavy snow on Sunday took out two main transmission lines that serve 16,000 Idaho Power customers from Riggins south to Cascade and from New Meadows east to Warm Lake. Crews returned the lines to service Sunday evening, but continued snowfall and winds toppled trees that knocked the two lines out again on Monday.

By Monday night, crews had restored one line and were working to restore the second line. Crews had located a fallen tree on the line, but Idaho Power said Monday night it did not know if the tree could be safely removed before daylight or if it is the only point of damage on that transmission line.

Late Monday afternoon Idaho Transportation Department reported Idaho 21 between Idaho City and Lowman and U.S. 95 between Council and New Meadows were closed due to blowing snow and hazardous driving conditions.

Central Idaho’s weather forecast calls for snow showers through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The Treasure Valley, too, can expect snow showers Wednesday and Thursday.

Check back for updates.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 7:06 AM with the headline "Winter weather wreaks havoc in central Idaho."