Blizzard warnings issued for eastern Idaho and western Wyoming

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) - The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a rare Blizzard Warning for eastern Idaho, beginning Thursday evening through Friday afternoon.

A cold front from the north arrives overnight, early Friday morning. The front will drive in strong winds leading to significant blowing and drifting snow. Travel will be very difficult to impossible at times.

The National Weather Service says, there is high confidence in blizzard conditions across southern and eastern Idaho. The National Weather Service in Riverton Wyoming has also issued blizzard warnings for Jackson Hole and Star Valley.

The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm which contains blowing snow or large amounts of snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time.

Wind chill watches have also been issued, once the cold front clears from our region. Wind chills as low as –25, could be seen this weekend.

BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THURSDAY TO 5 PM FRIDAY…

WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING…

• WHAT…For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 5 inches, except 5 to 10 inches on ridge tops and elevations above passes. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. For the Wind Chill Watch, dangerously cold wind chills possible. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero.
• WHERE…Arco/Mud Lake Desert, Upper Snake River Plain, Big Hole Mountains, and Teton Valley, including but not limited to Mud Lake, INL, Craters of the Moon NM, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, St. Anthony, Victor, Ashton, Tetonia, and Driggs.
• WHEN…For the Blizzard Warning, from 5 PM this afternoon to 5 PM MST Friday. For the Wind Chill Watch, from Friday evening through Saturday morning.
• IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing and drifting snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commute. The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM

MST SATURDAY…

• WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of

5 to 9 inches, except 10 to 20 inches on ridge tops and

elevations above passes. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

• WHERE…Marsh/Arbon Highlands, Franklin/Eastern Oneida Region,

Bear River Range, Bear Lake Valley, Blackfoot Mountains, and

Caribou Range, including but not limited to Inkom, McCammon,

Downey, Lava Hot Springs, Malad, Preston, Thatcher, Emigration

Summit, St. Charles, Montpelier, Georgetown, Grace, Soda

Springs, Henry, Bone, Wayan, and Swan Valley.

• WHEN…From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Saturday.

BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM

MST FRIDAY…

• WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
• WHERE…Jackson Hole.
• WHEN…From 5 PM this afternoon to 8 PM MST Friday.
• IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. Wind chills will drop as low as 15 below zero and can cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin.