Strong winds are expected from Friday night into Saturday morning, with gusts reaching 40–55 mph in lower elevations (like Wenatchee and the L-C Valley) and up to 70 mph in the mountains. These gusts create a risk of falling tree branches. Travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles which are vulnerable to crosswinds.

A mix of lowland snow, rain, and freezing rain and mountain snow is expected on Friday. Lowland snow across the northeast Washington valleys, the Idaho Panhandle valleys, and across the Spokane area will result in slick commutes. The best chances for freezing rain are across the upper Columbia Basin and the Waterville Plateau. Heaviest snow amounts are forecasted for the central ID Panhandle mountains, where a Winter Storm Warning is in effect through 4 PM Saturday.

Following a very active weekend, we are monitoring the potential for a stronger atmospheric river to bring heavy mountain rain, warmer temperatures, and breezy winds across the Inland Northwest. Our primary concern is the combination of heavy rain and warmer temperatures in the mountains. This may lead to snowmelt on mid-to-lower slopes, which would increase the risk of rock and mudslides in steep terrain, particularly in the North Cascades and North Idaho. You may also see water levels rise on small creeks and streams.