Boise, Idaho – Drivers along I-84 and I-184 have a narrowing window Wednesday morning before rain, wind and mountain snow intensify and create hazardous travel by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Boise, a strong cold front will sweep across southwest Idaho through Wednesday evening, bringing periods of moderate to heavy precipitation, gusty winds and a slight chance of lightning. Snow levels will start near 6000 to 6500 feet in the morning, lowering to 4500 to 5500 feet by Wednesday night.
Across the Treasure Valley, including Boise, Meridian and Nampa, rain will increase in coverage through midday, with wind gusts building to 25 to 45 mph. In south-central Idaho, including the Magic Valley, isolated gusts could reach 50 mph by Wednesday evening. Blowing debris and sudden crosswinds may impact high-profile vehicles on I-84, especially between Boise and Mountain Home.
In the West Central Mountains and along ID-21 north of Boise, accumulating snow of 4 to 8 inches is likely above 6000 feet. Travelers heading toward McCall or Stanley should prepare for reduced visibility and slushy to snow-covered roads by late afternoon. Lightning is possible during heavier showers, adding brief downpours and sudden wind shifts.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, charge devices in case of isolated outages and avoid unnecessary mountain travel after 3 p.m. Wednesday. Conditions will gradually improve in southeast Oregon late Wednesday night, but scattered showers may linger in southwest Idaho into early Thursday. Additional advisories remain possible if wind speeds increase or snow levels fall faster than expected.
