National Weather Service upgrades forecast to a High Wind Warning

National Weather Service-Missoula has upgraded the High Wind Watch to a High Wind Warning from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Southwest winds 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph are expected for the Orofino/Grangeville Region, Southern and Northern Clearwater Mountains and Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region.

Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if one must drive.

Orofino

Tuesday night: Rain. Low around 41. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday: Rain. Temperature falling to around 41 by noon. West wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday night: Rain. Snow level 2,300 feet. Low around 34. West wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Pierce

Tuesday night: Rain and snow. Steady temperature around 39. South wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday night: Rain and snow. Low around 27. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.