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Weather alert:  heavy rains, potentially damaging winds possible today and tomorrow
December 8, 2015
The National Weather Service this morning issued warnings for severe weather beginning later today, December 8, with high, potentially damaging winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding affecting areas of eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, including Boundary County.

Potentially Damaging Winds
The warnings are calling for strong winds beginning this afternoon, with today's gusts up to 45 m.p.h. Those winds will decrease overnight, but strong damaging winds are predicted to return tomorrow morning, Wednesday, continuing through the day. Tomorrow's winds are predicted to run from 35 to 45 m.p.h., with gusts up to 60 m.p.h., eventually subsiding by Wednesday evening.

The National Weather Service is warning that these winds are strong enough that they could cause damage to trees and power lines. High profile vehicles may have difficulty staying on the road. It is recommended that all residents be prepared for these winds, possible falling trees, and potential power outages.

Heavy Rain, Flood Warnings
The National Weather Service has also issued a flood advisory for our region, with heavy rains forecast through midweek.

According to the alerts issued by the National Weather Service: "More widespread rainfall is expected today and Wednesday. Many areas have received between three-quarters of an inch to one and a half inches of rainfall over a 24-hour period through 9:00 a.m. Tuesday. Heaviest rainfall will occur through this afternoon into Wednesday morning.

"An additional half inch to one inch of rainfall is expected for the valleys of eastern Washington and up to 2 inches for the mountains. The Idaho Panhandle and Cascade Crest [of Washington] will receive the heaviest amounts of rainfall, with an additional 1 to 2 inches in the valleys and an additional 2 to 4 inches possible in the mountains.

"Heavy rain will lead to field flooding with frozen ground and in low lying areas. Rock and mud slides in the steeper terrain in the east Cascades [of Washington] and in the Idaho Panhandle will also be a concern. Rises on small streams are likely, especially those with poor drainage or those impacted by ice."

Heavy, damaging winds coupled with heavy potentially flooding rains—Boundary County residents are cautioned to prepare for this severe weather, predicted for today and tomorrow.
 
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