Ellensburg, Wash. – Drivers in Kittitas Valley are being warned of hazardous travel conditions as powerful northwest winds sweep through the region into early Friday. Gusts could reach 55 mph, raising concerns for high-profile vehicles and those traveling on open stretches of roadway.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected, with the strongest gusts persisting through 2 a.m. Friday. Officials advise that confidence in this event is high, with a 70–90% likelihood of impacts across the valley.
Travel risks include difficult steering, sudden lane shifts, and reduced visibility from blowing dust or debris. U.S. Highway 97 and Interstate 90 through Ellensburg are among the routes most vulnerable to strong crosswinds. Drivers of semis, RVs, and trailers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel until winds subside.
Safety tips include keeping extra distance between vehicles, reducing speed, and exercising caution in exposed or elevated areas. Local authorities also encourage checking TripCheck and Weather.gov for real-time updates before leaving home.
The Wind Advisory remains in effect until early Friday, with conditions expected to ease later in the day. Additional alerts may follow if winds remain stronger than anticipated.
