High wind advisory active until Thanksgiving Day

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the northern Panhandle region of Idaho from 4 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27 until midnight, Thursday, Nov. 28. Forecasts show northeast winds from 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. Ridgetop wind gusts are expected to be in excess of 65 mph.

“Thar she blows!” Photo courtesy National Weather Service.

The warning includes the regional cities of Sandpoint, Rathdrum, Bonners Ferry, Priest River, Eastport, Colville, Deer Park, Chewelah, Newport and Kettle Falls.

NWS stated the damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines, with widespread power outages expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, and NWS encourages people to avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of homes during the windstorm.

The high winds are expected to abate in the evening on Nov. 27, with Thanksgiving Day predicted to be partly sunny with northeast wind from 11 to 17 mph and a high near 27 degrees.