Spokane, WA – Heavy downpours and thunderstorms could drench parts of southeast Washington and the lower Idaho Panhandle Wednesday afternoon, raising concerns for flash flooding between 2 and 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, rainfall rates may reach 0.50 to 1 inch per hour in the strongest storms. While not every community will see severe weather, the greatest threat zone includes Pullman, Lewiston, and Orofino, where steep terrain and urban areas heighten flood risk.
The agency warned that storms forming over burn scars, steep hillsides, or flood-prone ground could trigger mudslides or sudden flooding. Even localized events could make travel hazardous on highways including U.S. 95 and U.S. 195. Creeks and smaller rivers in Nez Perce and Latah counties may also rise quickly during heavier bursts of rain.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads, and residents in low-lying or fire-scarred areas should be ready to move to higher ground if conditions worsen.
The storm threat diminishes late Wednesday night, but additional rounds of rain are possible into Thursday.
