DAILY FORECAST: High wind advisory issued for eastern Idaho

IDAHO FALLS — A high wind advisory has been issued for the majority of eastern Idaho for Monday, April 17.

The National Weather Service predicts increasing winds reaching speeds of 25 to 35 mph by the afternoon with gusts in excess of 40 mph. The following communities are under the warning: St. Anthony, Ashton, Island Park, Driggs, Victor, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Roberts, Rigby, Dubois, Arco and the INL Complex.

The wind advisory expires at 8 p.m.

The winds will create dangerous driving conditions for larger vehicles and blowing dust is possible. The largest impacted area will be Interstate 15, north of Idaho Falls.

The only other major weather advisory is the continuing flood warning on the Portneuf River in Pocatello. The river is measuring above flood stage at 9.7 feet. Minor flooding is occurring along its banks. After a brief drop at the beginning of the week, the river is expected to rise to 9.9 feet again by Wednesday causing moderate flooding of agricultural land near the river.

Additionally, a flood advisory is still in effect for the Bear River in Bear Lake County. The river remains elevated and is slightly above its banks from Montpelier to the Wyoming State Line. Some minor field and dirt road flooding is occurring near Pegram and Dingle.

ROAD REPORT

Idaho Highway 31 between Swan Valley and Victor will be closed starting at 4 p.m. today through 7 a.m. Tuesday for bridge construction. The Idaho Transportation Department recommends travelers going to Driggs or Victor use Idaho Highway 33 or U.S. Highway 26 to reach their destination.

Construction on northbound Interstate 15 between exit 72 (Chubbuck) and exit 80 (Fort Hall) has been reduced to one lane due to bridge maintenance. Expect delays and reduced speed of 65 mph through May 12.

SEE YOUR COMPLETE EASTIDAHONEWS.COM 10-DAY FORECAST HERE

DAILY FORECAST:

Idaho Falls, Rigby and Rexburg

The Upper Snake River Plain will see widespread rain showers in the morning, which will taper off in the afternoon. Highs of 49 to 57 degrees are expected with southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph. It’ll be cloudy at night with a 50 percent chance of rain and decreasing southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph. Lows of 36 to 43 degrees are expected.

Pocatello and Blackfoot

There will be widespread rain showers in the Lower Snake River Plain this morning, but it will taper off in the afternoon. Highs of 50 to 57 degrees are expected with southwest winds of 20 to 35 mph. It’ll be cloudy at night with a 50 percent chance of rain and decreasing winds of 10 to 15 mph. Lows of 38 to 45 degrees are expected.

St. Anthony, Ashton, Island Park, Driggs and Victor

The Upper Snake Highlands will see widespread rain and snow showers in the morning, but it will be partly sunny in the afternoon with some scattered rain. Snow accumulation of up to 2 inches is possible above 7,400 feet. Highs of 46 to 54 degrees are expected. It’ll be cloudy at night with a chance of rain and snow and lows of 32 to 39 degrees.

Arco, Challis and Mackay

The Lost Rivers area will be cloudy in the morning with some scattered rain and snow. But the sun will come out in the afternoon with highs of 45 to 55 degrees. It’ll be cloudy at night with a chance of rain and snow showers and lows of 31 to 38 degrees.

Henry, Soda Springs, Downey and Lava Hot Springs

The Caribou Highlands will see widespread rain showers in the morning, which will taper off in the afternoon. Highs of 47 to 57 degrees are expected. There is a continued chance of rain at night and possibly up to 2 inches of snow could fall. Lows of 35 to 42 degrees are expected.

SEE THE NWS WEATHER MAP HERE