BOISE, Idaho — Our team of meteorologists at KTVB is tracking a very potent winter storm that will be moving into the Pacific Northwest just in time for holiday travel. This storm will be moving onto the coast early Tuesday, and will bring snow and wind across the region through Wednesday afternoon.
Winter weather headlines have been issued by the National Weather Service in preparation for this storm system. Expect accumulating snow, as well as reduced visibility with blowing and drifting snow. For specific timing based on location, click here.
If you are traveling on Interstate 84 through through Oregon Tuesday, our weather team advises heading out early. The storm will spread snow across eastern Oregon, especially northern Harney and Baker counties, as well as most of Baker County. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for these areas late Tuesday through early Wednesday, for 5-10 inches of snow there along with considerable blowing and drifting snow.
In the Gem State, the jackpot for snow looks to be the Camas Prairie, where 5-10 inches of snow is looking likely. A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect late Tuesday through Wednesday evening.
Light snow accumulations are possible for the Treasure Valley through Wednesday morning; around 1 inch, to maybe a localized 2 inches possible. With temperatures right near or just above freezing for valley locations, the snow is expected to bet wet and heavy – which takes away from the concern for blowing and drifting snow. Still, expect a slow morning commute on Wednesday.
From late Tuesday through Wednesday morning, southeast winds will pack a punch, 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph possible. A High Wind Watch has been issued from the National Weather Service and will likely be upgraded to a High Wind Warning Tuesday. The strongest of the wind is expected overnight Tuesday through early Wednesday, and could cause blizzard conditions for some areas.
Thanksgiving day will be less eventful for weather, but still with a chance for flurries or light snow showers. The cold gets colder for the end of the week, which will help area ski resorts to continue the snowmaking.
We have already seen some weather changes in the Treasure and Magic valleys. Northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph are making our already colder air in Boise feel much cooler. In the Magic Valley, strong winds and snow showers have been hampering travelers, especially along State Highway 93 near the Idaho-Nevada border.
More than 263,000 Idahoans are expected to be driving to their destination this Thanksgiving, according to AAA. The busiest times for travelers will be Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Those are also busy commute times for people heading to and from work.
The busiest day at most airports, including Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, will be Wednesday. If you are flying out of the Boise Airport this week, you are urged to get to the airport two hours ahead of your departure time to allow time to find parking, check-in and getting through longer lines at the security checkpoint.
AAA spokesman Matthew Conde says if you’re traveling during peak times, expect full planes, busy security lines, and crowded gates. Check to see if departures and arrivals are on time.
If you are worried about parking, the Boise Airport has an economy shuttle lot, located at Victory Road and Orchard Street. The shuttles run every 15 minutes, and are also available for return passengers daily.
Overall, about 55.3 million travelers are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their home to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. That’s the most since 2005, and nearly 1.5 million more than last year.
AAA says flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts are the most common issues that people face.
Drivers should pack extra clothing, food, water, a first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, flares or reflectors, and some basic tools.