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Tracking Storm System Across the Central U.S.

A storm system will slowly continue to press across the central U.S. Friday and Saturday with widespread showers and thunderstorms. Slight risks for severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall have been issued Saturday from the Ozarks into the mid-Mississippi River Valley with potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding. Read More >

Another in a series of strong winter storms hit the Inland Northwest on the 6th and 7th of February. Heavy snow fell at a number of locations. But the big story with this storm was the wind, which gusted into the 60 mph range in southeast Washington and the southern Panhandle.

Peak Wind

These strong winds caused extensive drifting in the Columbia Basin, on the Palouse, and in the Spokane area. Below are a couple of pictures taken at the NWS Spokane office showing the blowing and drifting snow. Click here to download a short movie loop.

Blowing Snow, WFO Spokane

 

Blowing Snow, WFO Spokane

 

By Ron Miller