Spokane, Washington – Drivers across eastern Washington and north Idaho could face sudden crosswinds and reduced visibility within the next several hours as gusts climb toward 40 mph through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, southwest winds will remain sustained at 10 to 20 mph, with widespread gusts of 25 to 35 mph and isolated peaks reaching 40 mph across the Columbia Basin, Spokane area, Palouse, and into the Idaho Panhandle. These winds may blow around loose debris and create difficult travel for high-profile vehicles, especially along I-90 and exposed rural highways.
At the same time, mountain travel conditions are deteriorating across the Cascades. Stevens Pass is expected to receive 8 to 12 inches of snow through Wednesday night, while Snoqualmie Pass could see 4 to 6 inches. Higher elevations near Mazama, Telma, and Coles Corner may pick up 0.5 to 3 inches, with most other passes seeing lighter totals.
Motorists heading west should prepare for slick roads and chain requirements at times, particularly at Stevens Pass. Blowing snow may briefly reduce visibility in higher elevations.
Winds will begin easing late Wednesday night, but hazardous travel in mountain passes may persist into early Thursday as snow continues to fall.
