National Weather Service issues Winter Storm Warning, Wind Alert

National Weather Service-Missoula issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Northern Clearwater Mountains from Wednesday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and a Wind Advisory for the Orofino/Grangeville Region and Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region from Wednesday at 8 p.m. to Thursday at 11 a.m.

Winter Storm Warning

Heavy snow is expected. There is a likelihood of extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations 1 to 5 inches are possible in the lower elevations and 20 to 50 inches in the higher terrain. Winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour are expected.

Areas of particular impact are State Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Pierce, and Elk River.

For major winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. For extreme winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Lifesaving actions may be needed. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes, especially over higher passes.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

Those who must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions are can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Pierce, elevation 3,085 feet

Wednesday: Snow before 2 p.m., then rain and snow. High near 39. South southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday night: Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 11 p.m. Snow level 4,100 feet rising to 5,200 feet. Low around 33 degrees. Southwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday: Rain before 8 a.m., then rain and snow. Snow level 5,100 feet lowering to 3,400 feet. High near 41. West southwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday night: Rain and snow. Snow level 3,800 feet. Low around 32. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday: Rain, possibly mixed with snow. Snow level 4,100 feet rising to 5,200 feet in the afternoon. High near 42. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday night: Rain. Low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 40.

Saturday night: A chance of snow, mainly before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Wind Advisory

Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

Areas of particular impact are: Orofino/Grangeville Region and Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region.

Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Orofino, elevation 1,039 feet

Wednesday: Rain and snow likely before 1 p,m., then rain. Snow level 1,900 feet rising to 4,300 feet in the afternoon. High near 47. South southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday night: Rain, mainly before 1 a.m. Low around 42. South southwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Rain before noon, then rain and snow. High near 49. West southwest wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.