Most schools opted to remain closed Friday with freezing temperatures and icy roads
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
A couple of area school districts opened Friday after a delay, but most of the districts in Clark County called off school due to icy conditions on the side roads and low temperatures during the early morning commute.
Woodland schools opened its doors after a 2-hour delay. Ridgefield opened after a 3-hour delay.
North of Clark County, Kalama was on a 2-hour delay while Longview and Kelso schools were on schedule but with buses on snow routes.
The more north, the easier it is to travel.
As far as much of Clark County, side streets are still packed with ice after Wednesday’s surprise snowfall. Again, snow was in the forecast, but the surprise was the amount of snow. The National Weather Service updated its numbers. Some parts of Washougal recorded 18 inches of snow. Downtown Vancouver had just less than 5 inches of snow. While Vancouver Mall had 8.5 inches of snow.
While many of the busiest roads and freeways were plowed or treated, all of the wet pavement froze overnight. Many side roads — where school buses go to pick up children — were not plowed. Many of those streets are now packed with ice.
Temperatures fell into the low to mid 20s throughout Clark County, with wind chills into the teens. Many school administrators opted for another day off rather than have children outside, waiting for buses in those conditions.
Friday’s forecast, according to KATU TV in Portland, calls for temperatures to rise above freezing, but not by much. Saturday’s highs are expected to get to near 40 degrees. The thaw will be slow.
Battle Ground High School, closed for students on Friday, will open its gym for the state basketball tournament. The school is hosting two games Friday night. While conditions were too dangerous in the early morning hours, it is expected that main roads will be clear by the afternoon.
The city of Vancouver opened for business at 10 a.m. Friday. Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries are expected to open at 11 a.m. Friday.
C-TRAN buses are running but with significant changes to its normal routes. For more information, go to: https://c-tran.com/
Also read:
- Budget leader says funding for programs and services is safe, concern is demand for billions in new spending
Sen. Lynda Wilson highlights safe funding for services despite looming demands for billions in new spending. - After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?
One member of a prominent Washington think tank suspects lawmakers are considering modifying the capital gains tax to generate more revenue for state coffers Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing … - Opinion: New audit offers another reason lawmakers should leave the state’s paid-leave program behindElizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting audit findings of double-dipping and program inefficiencies.
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwiseWAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.”
- Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools.
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.
- Bridge, trail reopen at Moulton Falls Regional ParkMoulton Falls Regional Park reopens its iconic wood bridge and trail after restoration work to ensure structural integrity and weather protection.
wpDiscuz
