If you’re in Idaho or Oregon, get ready for a messy couple of days—a major winter storm is moving in, bringing heavy snow, icy roads, and difficult travel conditions through Friday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon, where snowfall totals could reach up to a foot in some areas. If you have to be on the road, expect slow, slippery conditions, especially Thursday night into Friday morning.
🌨️ What to Expect
A strong winter storm system is sweeping through the Pacific Northwest, bringing:
✔ Heavy snowfall—up to 12 inches in the mountains
✔ Gusty winds causing blowing snow and low visibility
✔ Rapid accumulation making roads slick and hazardous
The storm moves in early Thursday morning, intensifies Thursday night, and starts tapering off Friday morning. But even after the snow stops, roads could stay icy well into the weekend.
📍 Who’s Getting the Worst of It?
🌨️ Treasure & Magic Valleys (Southwest Idaho & Southeast Oregon)
✔ 3 to 6 inches of snow expected—enough to make driving tricky.
✔ Side streets and bridges will be especially slick—watch out for black ice!
✔ Expect slow-moving traffic and potential delays.
🏔️ Mountain Areas of Idaho & Oregon
✔ 6 to 12 inches of snow expected, with isolated areas getting even more.
✔ Winds will blow snow around, making visibility even worse.
✔ Some highways and mountain passes could be difficult or even impossible to drive through.
🚨 Why This Storm Could Be a Problem
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Roads Will Be Treacherous
- Snow will pile up fast, making it hard for plows to keep up.
- Travel Thursday night into Friday morning will be especially rough.
- If you don’t have to be out, it’s best to stay off the roads.
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Whiteout Conditions Possible
- Wind gusts will blow snow around, making it hard to see.
- Even short trips could take longer and be much riskier.
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Possible Delays & Closures
- Schools, businesses, and even flights may be delayed or canceled.
- Check before heading out to avoid last-minute surprises.
🚗 If You Must Drive…
✔ Give yourself extra time—conditions can change fast.
✔ Keep an emergency kit in your car (blankets, snacks, water, flashlight).
✔ Check road conditions before you leave—some highways may require chains or 4WD.
✔ If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle—it’s safer than trying to walk in the snow.
🚨 Check road conditions before traveling:
- Idaho Roads: 511.idaho.gov
- Oregon Roads: tripcheck.com
🏠 Staying Home? Here’s How to Prep
✔ Stock up on essentials—groceries, medications, pet food, and anything else you might need.
✔ Charge your phone and have flashlights ready in case of power outages.
✔ Bundle up! Even inside, temps could feel chilly.
✔ Check on neighbors, especially elderly ones, to make sure they’re prepared.
⏳ When Will It Be Over?
- Snow will wind down by Friday morning, but roads will likely stay icy into the weekend.
- If the forecast shifts, we could see even more snow next week!
This isn’t just a little dusting—this storm could make travel extremely difficult, especially Thursday night into Friday. If you can stay off the roads, do it. If you have to be out, drive slow, be cautious, and expect delays.
