The National Weather Service released a hazardous weather outlook for several areas in North and North Central Idaho at 6:11 a.m. Sunday. NWS predicts strong, scattered thunderstorms through Sunday afternoon and evening. The thunderstorms are expected to have “isolated damaging wind gusts and hail up to the size of quarters.”
The outlook predicts scattered showers and thunderstorms “with brief heavy rain, gusty winds and small hail possible” on Monday. Moderate to heavy rain Tuesday night into Wednesday with possible minor flooding of rivers and small streams with debris flows or mud slides in steep areas are expected.
The City of Moscow reminded citizens via a Facebook post not to approach downed utility lines and to secure items that could become unstable in high winds. City staff are on standby to respond to the storm.
NWS released a special weather statement at 4:24 p.m. Sunday for the Palouse region of Idaho and Washington stating Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Genesee, 10 miles south of Moscow, moving northeast at 25 mph. Half-inch hail and winds over 40 mph are possible within the storm. Impacted locations include Troy, Colton, Uniontown and Joel, according to the statement.
An additional special weather statement was released at 4:35 p.m. for the central Panhandle Mountain and Palouse regions of Idaho. Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Parkline moving northeast at 20 m.p.h. in that area, also with the possibility of half-inch hail and winds over 40 m.p.h. Impacted locations include St. Maries, Parkline, Rose Lake and Chatcolet, according to the statement.
“This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service,” the second special weather statement said.
The NWS extended forecast for Moscow states an 80% chance of severe thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, a 70% chance of severe thunderstorms Sunday night, a 50% chance of thunderstorms Monday night and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday night. There is a chance for showers through May 23.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]