If you live in Spokane or North Idaho, get ready for a wintry mix of snow and slick roads through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, meaning travel could get tricky, especially during the morning and evening commutes.
It’s not the biggest storm of the season, but it’s enough to slow things down—so if you’ve got Valentine’s Day plans or weekend travel, you might want to allow extra time.
When Will the Snow Hit?
Thursday, February 13: Light Snow to Start
- What to Expect: A dusting of up to 1 inch of snow
- When: Afternoon into evening
Snow showers will start moving in Thursday afternoon, but at first, it won’t be much—just enough to make roads a little slick, especially overnight. Temperatures will be cold enough that any melting snow could refreeze, so watch out for icy spots Friday morning.
Friday, February 14: Steadier Snow Moves In
- What to Expect: 2 to 4 inches in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area, up to 6 inches in the mountains
- When: Morning through late evening
Friday is when things ramp up. Snow will start falling in the morning and continue throughout the day. If you’re commuting to work or heading out for Valentine’s Day dinner, be ready for slower travel and reduced visibility.
If you’re planning to drive over Lookout Pass or other mountain areas, expect the most snow and winter driving conditions.
How Will This Affect Travel?
This isn’t a major winter storm, but it will make driving more difficult. Here’s what you should expect:
- Icy Roads – Melting and refreezing overnight could lead to black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses.
- Limited Visibility – Blowing snow and fog could make it harder to see on open roads.
- Slower Commutes – If you have to be on the roads, plan for delays and extra travel time.
How to Drive Safely in Snow
✔ Slow Down & Give Yourself Space – Stopping on snow and ice takes longer, so leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
✔ Check Road Conditions – Washington drivers can visit wsdot.wa.gov/travel, and Idaho travelers can dial 511 for live road updates.
✔ Pack Winter Essentials in Your Car – Just in case, it’s always a good idea to keep:
- A blanket
- Water & snacks
- A flashlight & extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- A shovel & ice scraper
✔ Take it Easy on the Brakes – Sudden stops or sharp turns can send you sliding. Brake gently and steer smoothly.
✔ Stay Home if the Roads Get Bad – If things get too slick or visibility is low, it’s better to wait it out than take unnecessary risks.
Snow is coming, and it’s going to make driving more difficult in Spokane and North Idaho. Expect slick roads, slower commutes, and reduced visibility, especially on Friday.
