Some Tri-City schools started late. More snow expected

Some schools were starting on a two-hour delay Wednesday as the Tri-Cities area continues to cope with snowy weather.

Only a dusting of fresh snow fell on much of the Tri-Cities overnight, but winds were building snow drifts across rural roads.

Then from about 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. more snow arrived.

Richland School District started on time but Kennewick, Pasco and Kiona-Benton City school districts and Delta High School announced two-hour delays.

At about 1 p.m. the Richland district announced that all middle and high school after school activities have been canceled.

Cancellations include the Educational Service District 123 Regional High School Art Awards Ceremony planned for Wednesday evening.

Prosser and North Franklin canceled school for the day.

Benton Franklin Head Start centers are closed with evening events canceled.

Check bit.ly/snowdelays for the details on delays and closures across the Mid-Columbia.

Meals on Wheels closed for the day with no home delivered meal service. All dining centers are closed.

Mid-Columbia Libraries also closed branches in Prosser, Connell, Kahlotus, Basin City and Merrill’s Corner.

Closed highways and roads

Many rural roads were closed because of drifting snow.

The Washington state Department of Transportation closed Highway 221 from near Prosser to near Paterson on Wednesday morning because of blowing and drifting snow. It is expected to reopen at 2 p.m.

Highway 241 from just north of Sunnyside to Highway 24 also was expected to be closed all day because of snow drifts.

Highway 12 in Walla Walla remained open, but the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office posted on social media about 9 a.m. that just one lane in each direction was open in places.

“Very slow going . . . Travel is not advisable!” deputies posted.

3 inches possible

Snow remains in the immediate forecast for the Tri-Cities, but the National Weather Service has dropped its estimate to possibly three inches of new snow Wednesday through Thursday morning.

The weather service said the first wave of snow in the current storm system was likely done for the day by late morning.

But more snowfall is expected Wednesday night. A 70 percent chance of snow was forecast.

The Tri-Cities should see sunny skies starting Thursday.

Just a 20 percent chance of snow is forecast between dawn and 10 a.m. Thursday and then no more precipitation is forecast through at least Tuesday.

This story was originally published February 27, 2019 at 7:54 AM.