Winter storm watch above 3,000 feet |
| November 30, 2013 |
|
A winter storm system expected to move into the
region late tonight could cause problems for
motorists heading home from the Thanksgiving
holiday, especially at higher elevations. The National Weather Service, Spokane, has issued a winter storm watch, in effect from 10 p.m. today through 10 p.m. Monday, calling for heavy snow at elevations above 3,000 feet, with up to three inches possible in the valleys. Motorists planning to travel Sunday and Monday are urged to monitor road conditions carefully before setting out, especially if you are going over the passes. In Idaho, up to date road reports are available at http://511.idaho.gov/ or by calling 511 or 1-888-432-7623. According to the National Weather Service, periods of snow are expected to begin late tonight or early Sunday morning, with snow levels at the valley floors as the system begins, then rising to 3,000 feet as it warms up Sunday. Overnight Sunday, snow levels are expected to drop back to the valley floors. Southwest winds at higher elevations are expected to be steady at 15 to 30 miles per hour Sunday and Monday, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour. The system could bring six to 12 inches of snow above 3,000 feet. Temperatures are expected to remain at or near freezing through Monday, before an arctic cold front sets in Tuesday, dropping temperatures to single digits, possibly below zero Wednesday night. |