Expect Periods of Rain, Snow, and Gusty Winds in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho

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A powerful storm system currently off the Oregon coast will bring periods of rain, snow, and gusty winds to our area through Thursday. A warm front will stall across northern portions of our area today as the low-pressure center moves south.

The heaviest precipitation today, mainly in the form of snow, will occur across northern Harney and Malheur counties as well as the higher elevations of Baker County, where a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 11 PM PDT this evening.

Gusty winds will also result in blowing and drifting snow.

In Idaho, light snow will fall across the mountains today while the Snake Basin sees little to no precipitation due to downsloping off of the Owyhees. Gusty east to southeast winds will continue, strongest southeast of Boise and near the Nevada border where gusts to nearly 45 mph are possible this afternoon.

Late this afternoon and evening, a cold front will move west to east through eastern Oregon producing a final burst of moderate to heavy snow before shifting into western Idaho late this evening through Wednesday morning.

The front will produce widespread precipitation in all areas, with snow above 3500-4000 feet MSL. Winds will decrease and shift to the northwest behind the front.

The upper level low will split with the northern portion tracking through our area Wednesday night and Thursday. Moisture will wrap around the low as it moves overhead, with the focus of precipitation across our northern and eastern zones.

Snow levels will briefly drop to 2500-3000 feet Thursday morning, with light snow accumulations possible in the Snake Basin mainly southeast of Boise and in the Magic Valley. Northwest winds will increase and become gusty on Thursday as the low center moves to our east.

Through Thursday, storm total snow accumulations of 3-6 inches in mountain valleys and 6-12 inches in higher mountains are expected. Expect periods of rain, snow, and gusty winds in eastern Oregon and western Idaho through Thursday.

Snow accumulations will be higher in mountain areas, with light snow possible in the Snake Basin mainly southeast of Boise and in the Magic Valley.

Gusty winds will continue to affect the area, with a focus on precipitation across the northern and eastern zones.

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