Strong winds expected Tuesday and Wednesday

A weather pattern that usually produces strong winds in Eastern Washington and North Idaho may be shaping up for Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night, the National Weather Service reported. Gusts of up to 60 mph are likely across a wide area, including the the Cascades and Blue Mountains and the Lower Columbia Basin North through the Palouse and Spokane area. In addition, mountain passes are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall, which combined with the strong winds, could make travel difficult, the weather service said.