Dangerous winds expected Tuesday, following snow overnight

A windstorm is expected to hit the Inland Northwest on Tuesday with sustained winds of 45 mph and gusts reaching 70 mph.

The National Weather Service issued warnings from noon Tuesday until midnight for most of Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Snowfall of a few inches also is expected overnight Monday into Tuesday morning. Three to 6 inches are expected in some mountain areas.

A strong Pacific storm system is expected to arrive from the southwest, leading to downed trees and widespread power outages. Winds will develop Tuesday afternoon and persist into the evening, the warning said.

The warning extends from the Oregon to Canadian borders and west to Moses Lake and Wenatchee. Dust storms are possible in the Moses Lake and Ritzville area, which may reduce visibility on Interstate 90, according to the weather service.

Higher gusts of 80 mph are expected in the mountains of the Idaho Panhandle. Gusts will be up to 70 mph in most parts of Washington and Coeur d’Alene, and between 30 and 65 mph in Stevens County and other parts of North Idaho.

The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management issued a news release Monday asking residents to secure loose objects that may become airborne in high winds.

Sustained winds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph can lead to property damage.