Spokane, get ready for a wild weather day this Thursday! A mix of snow, rain, and wind will take over the region, starting early in the morning and sticking around throughout the day. If you have plans or need to travel, you’ll want to prepare for unpredictable conditions that could throw a wrench in your routine. Here’s everything you need to know to get through this stormy spring day.
Early Snow: A Winter Wake-Up Call
The day will start with some snow, arriving in the early hours of Thursday morning between 5 AM and 8 AM. As much as we’d like to think spring is here, winter isn’t ready to let go just yet. A quick 1-2 inches of snow could accumulate on roads, especially on highways and in elevated areas, making for slippery conditions. So, if you’re headed out early, be prepared for some slick streets, particularly on I-90, Highway 2, and Highway 195.
If you need to get somewhere in the morning, make sure to leave extra time and drive cautiously. This isn’t the day to rush your commute. The snow will melt quickly as temperatures rise, but the early morning hours could still cause a lot of frustration if you’re not careful.
Rain and Wind: The Storm Picks Up
By mid-morning, the snow will transition into rain, and that’s when things start to get a little trickier. Expect moderate to heavy rain to begin falling around 11 AM to 1 PM, and it will last into the evening. With the rain, we’ll also see wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. That means wet, slippery roads and potentially poor visibility.
The winds could make driving even harder, especially if you’re driving a higher-profile vehicle like a truck. Be ready for debris, like branches or loose objects, to be blown around. And, of course, heavy rain means possible ponding and puddles on the roads. So, if you plan to be out in the afternoon or evening, make sure you’re ready for a sloppy, wet drive. If you don’t have to travel, it might be best to hunker down at home until things calm down.
Afternoon and Evening: Risk of Flooding and Slippery Streets
As the day wears on, the rain will continue to pour down, and by the afternoon, we could see some flash flooding in areas with poor drainage. Flooded streets will be a concern in urban areas like Spokane, where water tends to collect quickly. As the rain continues into the evening, temperatures will drop again, turning everything from slush into slippery conditions. If you’re out at night, expect low visibility and wet streets, which could lead to some unpredictable hazards on the road.
If you’re traveling, watch for standing water on the roads, and avoid driving through large puddles. The slush could create a serious hazard for drivers, so it’s best to keep your distance from other vehicles and drive cautiously.
Tips for Staying Safe in This Messy Weather
As we know, the weather in Spokane can change in a hurry, so here are a few ways to stay safe as Thursday’s storm moves through:
-
Be Extra Careful on the Roads: Morning snow and afternoon rain mean the roads will be wet, slick, and dangerous. If you don’t have snow tires, take it slow, especially on highways and side streets that might not be treated as quickly.
-
Give Yourself Extra Time: With snow, rain, and wind all taking turns to mess with your commute, it’s wise to give yourself some extra time to get where you’re going. Traffic could slow down, so patience is key.
-
Check the Weather Frequently: The weather can change quickly, so keep an eye on the latest weather updates throughout the day. Flash flood warnings could be issued, so staying informed will help you make the best decisions for your safety.
-
Protect Your Car: If you haven’t already, make sure your car is ready for snowy or wet conditions. It might be time to swap out your tires if you haven’t already, or make sure your wipers are in good condition. And, as always, make sure your gas tank is full in case you get stuck in traffic.
-
Be Mindful of Winds and Debris: The wind could be strong enough to blow debris around, so take care while driving and be cautious of fallen branches or power lines. If you don’t have to be outside, it might be better to stay put until the worst of it passes.
Calm After the Storm
Once Thursday’s storm clears, we can expect calmer weather on Friday. Temperatures will still be cool, but there won’t be any more snow or rain in the forecast. So, while Thursday may feel like a crazy spring mix, at least we’ll get a break the next day.
Stay Safe, Spokane
This Thursday’s storm is bringing a little bit of everything—from snow in the morning to rain and wind later in the day. If you have to be out and about, stay cautious, drive slowly, and make sure you’re prepared for slippery conditions and high winds. It may seem like an inconvenience, but a little planning can keep you safe.
