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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

May showers lead to weekend warm up

Wind, possible flooding near Cascades

Rain showers are expected to continue through the day today after about a quarter inch of rain fell over the Spokane region overnight. Coeur d’Alene had more rain with .42 inches at the airport there. Pullman reported nearly a half inch. Forecasters said that as showers subside today, the region will come under a strong ridge of high pressure that should clear the skies and warm things up through Monday. At 7 a.m., temperatures were spring-like and mild at 46 and 47 degrees across the region. To the west and southwest, the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook and flood advisory for the east slopes of the Cascades and for the Kittitas Valley along the route of Interstate 90 through Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Rain combined with melting snow is creating the hazard. Motorists were being advised to watch for pools of water on roadways. In addition, that stretch of I-90 on the east side of the Cascades could see sustained northwest winds to 40 mph and gusts as high as 50. A wind advisory is in effect there. Winds in the Spokane region today should be 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30. As skies begin to clear tonight, temperatures should drop to the middle to upper 30s, safe enough for sensitive foliage and bedding plants. Sunny and warmer conditions with highs in the lower to middle 60s are expected Friday, with highs going to the lower 70s on Saturday and then the middle and upper 70s on Sunday.