WEATHER & ROADS: Winter storm to hit eastern Idaho this afternoon
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IDAHO FALLS — A winter storm system will dump snow on large portions of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming on Sunday afternoon — including in our area.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for nearly all of eastern Idaho starting at 3 p.m. until 11 p.m.
The Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Pocatello areas will receive between 2 and 5 inches of snow, with some areas receiving up to 8 inches of snow over an eight hour period.
Higher elevation areas can expected even more snow — between 4 and 10 inches. Some of the hardest hit areas are expected to be Monida Pass, Island Park, Driggs, Ashton Hill, Targhee Pass, Raynolds Pass and Pine Creek Pass. The snowfall in these areas is expected to carry over until Monday.
Officials also are warning of blowing and drifting snow. A wind advisory has been issued in southeastern Idaho with high southwest winds of between 25 to 35 mph and gusts near 50 mph. The worst windy conditions are expected south of Pocatello.
Road visibility will be reduced as a result of the snow and winds may make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles.
Most of southern Montana and western Wyoming are under a more severe winter storm warning. Heavy snow of up to 12 inches is predicted in those regions.
Wednesday’s Forecast:
Idaho Falls, Rigby and Rexburg
Lots of snow, rain and wind during the day with highs of 33 to 40 degrees. Snow accumulation of up to 3 inches is expected with southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph. Snowfall will get worse at night with an additional 2 to 4 inches possible, lows of 17 to 24 degrees and decreasing winds.
Pocatello, Chubbuck and Blackfoot
Rain and snow are predicted throughout the day with highs of 35 to 42 degrees. Up to 3 inches of snow is possible during the day with winds between 20 to 30 mph. During the night the snowfall will increase with between 2 and 4 inches possible. Lows of 18 to 25 degrees are expected with decrease winds of 10 to 20 mph.
Dubois, St. Anthony, Ashton, Island Park, Driggs, and Victor
Snow and rain during the day and night. Between 4 and 5 inches of snow are possible during the day with an additional 3 to 5 inches during the night. It’ll also be breezy with highs of 32 to 39 degrees and lows of 13 to 21 degrees.
Arco, Challis, and Mackay
Between 2 to 4 inches of snow are predicted during the day with highs of 31 to 38 degrees. It’ll be cloudy at night with a chance of snow and lows of 10 to 18 degrees.
Henry, Soda Springs, Downey, and Lava Hot Springs
Between 2 and 4 inches of snow are predicted during the day with highs of 34 to 41 degrees. It’ll also be breezy. The snowy and breezy conditions will persist into the night with possible snow accumulation of between 3 to 7 inches and lows of 17 to 24 degrees.
Road Report:
Road closures are possible today, and conditions are expected to worsen as the day progresses.
As of noon Sunday, the following highways have been listed in difficult or fair conditions due to snow or ice on the roadway.
- U.S. Highway 20 between Ashton and the Montana border
- Idaho Highway 87 between Henry’s Lake and the Montana border
- U.S. Highway 93 between Arco and Challis
- Idaho Highway 75 between Stanley and Challis
- Idaho Highway 29 between Leadore and the Montana border
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