First big snow of the season smacks Inland Northwest

SPOKANE --  Two to three inches of snow fell over much of the Spokane area and more fell in surrounding areas in the first significant snowfall of the season

Snow has tapered off over much of the area.

3 to 5 inches of snow is expected to fall over the Washington Palouse.  Most of the snow will accumulate east of St. John and Colfax impacting the towns of Pullman, Oakesdale and Tekoa.  Areas of blowing snow are also expected to develop by midday as southwest winds increase to 20 to 30 m.p.h.  This may also result in snow drifts across north-south highways including Highway 195 and State Route 27.

The storm is also expected to impact North Idaho.  A Winter Storm Watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Sunday for heavy snow.  4 to 7 inches of snow is expected to fall over the Coeur d'Alene area.  The heaviest accumulations are expected to fall at elevations above 2,000 feet impacting higher terrain east of Coeur d'Alene.  The snow will taper off to scattered showers Sunday evening.  Locations include Kellogg, Pinehurst, Osburn, Wallace, Mullan, Fourth of July Pass, Dobson Pass and Lookout Pass.

4 to 7 inches of snow is expected to fall over the St. Maries area and throughout the Silver Valley area.  6 to 10 inches of snow is expected to fall over the surrounding mountains.  4 to 7 inches of snow is expected to fall over the Idaho Palouse.