LEWISTON, ID – The National Weather Service has issued High Wind Warnings for portions of eastern Washington and north Idaho, with damaging winds expected Wednesday morning through early afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service office in Spokane, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST Wednesday for Lewis and southern Nez Perce counties in Idaho, as well as lower Garfield and Asotin counties in Washington.
Forecasters expect south to southeast winds of 20 to 40 mph, with gusts between 50 and 60 mph. Isolated gusts could reach up to 70 mph. The strongest winds are expected in areas including Waha, Alpowa Summit, Winchester, Craigmont and along Soldiers Meadow Road.
The weather service reported a 70% chance of wind gusts exceeding 60 mph across western Lewis County and southern Nez Perce County, including Waha, along the Snake River between Asotin and Rogersburg, and along Highway 129 south of Asotin. In other areas, including Highway 12 between Pomeroy and Clarkston, gusts are expected to range from 30 to 50 mph.
The National Weather Service warned that the winds could bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. Travel is expected to be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.
A High Wind Warning is also in effect for the foothills of the Blue Mountains from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST Wednesday. Southeast winds of 30 to 40 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 65 mph.
The weather service advises residents to remain in lower levels of their homes during the windstorm, avoid windows, and watch for falling debris and tree limbs.
