Wind advisory in effect for Inland NW

A wind advisory has been posted for Saturday for much of the Inland Northwest while parts of the region are expected to see snow accumulations from an incoming Pacific Ocean storm. Wind gusts to 50 mph are possible on Satuurday across portions of the region from the Spokane area southward into northeast Oregon. Spokane and Coeur d’Alene could see gusts in the 30 to 36 mph range while the southern Columbia Basin and southern Palouse could see winds pushing into the 50 to 60 mph range. Travelers are advised to be prepared for the high winds from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Forecasters have backed off on an earlier prediction of snow accumulations in the Spokane area. Some snow is expected by Saturday morning, but accumulations should not be significant. However, heavy snow is possible in the mountains of North Idaho and moderate snow in the mountains of Northeast Washington. A cold front should cross the region overnight, but leave in its wake an unstable atmosphere prone to continuing snow showers through Sunday. Highs will be mostly in the 30s in Spokane with lows in the 20s. Winter cold in the teens is possible on Monday night.