High Wind Warning Issued for Wenatchee Area and Okanogan Valley

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Spokane, WA, has issued a High Wind Warning for the Wenatchee Area, Okanogan Valley, and Central Chelan County. This alert is classified as a severe event with likely certainty.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts several locations across the region, including:

• Cities and Airports: Wenatchee, Omak, Okanogan, Chelan, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Entiat, Brewster, Oroville, Bridgeport, Tonasket, and Pangborn Airport.
• Passes and Canyons: Disautel Pass, Number 1 Canyon, and Number 2 Canyon.
• Other Communities: Plain and Nespelem.

Expected Conditions

Residents should prepare for southwest winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph. In mountainous terrain, wind gusts may reach as high as 75 mph.

Additional details indicate that the strongest wind gusts in the Okanogan Valley are expected south of Omak. Areas between Omak and Oroville are likely to see gusts between 40 and 50 mph.

What You Should Do

To ensure safety during this windstorm, the National Weather Service recommends the following actions:

• Seek Shelter: Remain in the lower levels of your home and stay away from windows.
• Watch for Hazards: Be alert for falling debris and tree limbs. Damaging winds are expected to blow down trees and power lines, and widespread power outages are anticipated.
• Travel Caution: Use extreme caution if you must drive. Travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Timeline

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