Update 4 p.m.: Internet is now back up and I can upload.
Update 1:30: Power went back on here about 1:15 p.m., but internet service is still out. The snow is transitioning to rain.

Storm hits Clearwater County closes schools, knocks out power, makes travel difficult

A winter snow storm that began overnight into Thursday has caused closed schools, knocked out power and is making travel difficult.

Sheriff Chris Goetz said that county plows are out, but they are unable to keep up. He is asking that anyone that does not need to travel please, stay home.

Emergency Management Coordinator Don Gardner is asking that people check on their family and friends.

Around 9 a.m. the Ahsahka substation for Clearwater Power lost power from the Bonneville Power transmission line knocking out service to Ahsahka and customers across the Clearwater River that have their service, according to Jeff Marshall, Clearwater Power. He said the substation was working prior to the outage from BPA and is expected to come back up when the line is restored. BPA crews are out working on their line, it may be four to eight hours.

There are also smaller Clearwater Power outages that may keep customers out longer as they work on the problems.

Early Thursday morning, school officials decided that all schools in Joint District #171 would be closed Thursday. That includes Orofino Junior/Senior High School, Timberline School, Peck Elementary School and Cavendish Elementary School.