High Wind Watch/Warning for Thursday

Two weather systems are impacting Idaho and Wyoming this week. The first system arrives Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with rain showers and gusty winds. The second system on Thursday, will pack a powerful punch with high winds and snow showers. The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a High Wind Watch for Thursday, which will most likely turn into a High Wind Warning as Thursday approaches. Our weather will worsen before it gets better by this weekend.

Snow levels will drop from 6,000 ft to valley floors for Thursday night. Snow accumulations in the valleys will be light. However, the Central Mountains and Southeast Highlands could see the heaviest accumulations of snow. Central Idaho with 5″ to 8″ inches above 8000 ft by mid-day Thursday. The South Central and Caribou Highlands could see 4 to 7 inches above 7,000 feet.

HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH

THURSDAY EVENING…

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a High Wind watch, which is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday

evening.

* IMPACTS/TIMING…Strong winds are expected to begin around mid-morning Thursday and continue through Thursday evening. High profile vehicles will be difficult to control. Wind damage, especially trees, is possible. Power outages may also occur.

* WINDS…Sustained winds of 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.

* LOCATIONS…Burley, Shoshone, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Rexburg and the INL Complex. This includes Interstate 84 from near Burley to the Utah border, Interstate 86, U-S 20 and 26 across the Arco Desert and INL.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A high wind watch means there is the potential for a hazardous high wind event. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph, or gusts of 58 mph or stronger may occur. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.