National Weather Service meteorologists have issued an advisory for drivers in Idaho as strong winds gust through part of the state.
The winds follow strong thunderstorms that hit the area on Wednesday, producing wind gusts up to 71 miles per hour near Fremont County. A cold front is now passing over the region, leading to more strong winds.
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The NWS office in Pocatello issued the wind advisory early Thursday morning. It is expected to remain in place until Thursday night, with winds anticipated to impact Lemhi Highlands, Arco/Mud Lake Desert, upper Snake River Plain and lower Snake River Plain.
Southwest winds are expected to blow at 35 to 45 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 55 miles per hour, prompting meteorologists to issue a warning for motorists in the area.
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"Gusty winds could make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Unsecured objects may be blown around. Blowing dust is likely, especially near plowed fields," the warning said. "Blowing dust could cause reduced visibilities. Also, strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution."
Meteorologists also urged people in the affected area to secure outdoor objects, adding that "boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds and rough waves can overturn small craft."
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NWS meteorologist Travis Wyatt told Newsweek that winds will start to die down to below 40 and 30 miles per hour by 7 p.m. local time, gradually decreasing after that. He doubts there will be any downed trees or power lines with those wind speeds.
Wyatt added that any lingering showers from Wednesday's storms are occurring near the Wyoming border.
"Best chances for isolated thunderstorms will shift east as a cooler and drier air mass builds in out of the west," the NWS office in Pocatello posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The storms and strong winds come as other NWS offices have commented on the severity of this year's weather patterns. For example, the NWS office in Omaha, Nebraska, recently broke at least three severe weather records, all involving tornadoes and tornado warnings.
Wyatt said the Pocatello region can expect cooler temperatures on Thursday and Friday, with the weather warming back up on Saturday in advance of another approaching storm system.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 20 or 25 miles per hour on Friday. Storms will begin on Sunday.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
