High Wind Warning Issued for Northern Panhandle and Northeast Mountains Through Thursday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Spokane, WA, has issued a High Wind Warning for the Northern Panhandle, Central Panhandle Mountains, Northeast Mountains, and Okanogan Highlands. The alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with a high level of certainty.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts a wide range of locations across Idaho and Washington, including:

• Idaho: Athol, Pinehurst, Eastport, Wallace, Mullan, Schweitzer Mountain Road, St. Maries, Fourth Of July Pass, Sandpoint, Fernwood, Bonners Ferry, Clark Fork, Kellogg, Lookout Pass, Osburn, and Priest River.
• Washington: Springdale-Hunters Road, Flowery Trail Road, Metaline, Kettle Falls, Tiger, Orin-Rice Road, Colville, Fruitland, Deer Park, Chewelah, Northport, Inchelium, Ione, Wauconda, Boulder Creek Road, Metaline Falls, Sherman Pass, Republic, Newport, and Chesaw Road.

What You Should Do

Residents are urged to remain in the lower levels of their homes during the windstorm and avoid windows to prevent injury. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. If you must drive, use extreme caution, as travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Residents should prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages.

Expected Conditions

Southwest winds between 20 to 35 mph are expected, with powerful gusts reaching 50 to 65 mph. These damaging winds are likely to blow down trees and power lines.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is effective from 8:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, March 11, until 11:00 AM PDT on Thursday, March 12.