The season’s first big snowstorm is expected Thursday

The next big snowstorm of the season is headed for the Inland Northwest starting Thursday at midday and continuing on into the weekend.

On Tuesday, a winter storm watch was issued for Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.

This comes after parts of the Columbia Basin reported heavy snowfall overnight Monday into Tuesday.

National Weather Service forecasters said Spokane, the Palouse region and Columbia Basin could see 4 to 6 inches from the brunt of the storm.

North Idaho’s valleys, including Coeur d’Alene, could see 5 to 7 inches.

“It’s a healthy amount of snow in the forecast,” said Rocco Pelatti of the weather service in Spokane.

Even higher amounts are forecast for the mountains in Northeast Washington and North Idaho.

The Cascades could see the greatest snowfall at 18 to 24 inches in the mountains and 8 to 16 inches for valley areas of the Cascades.

Temperatures should remain cold with lows of about 10 to 12 degrees Wednesday night before temperatures moderate some on Friday through Monday with highs near freezing and lows in the 20s.

Snow chances begin to diminish on Saturday and Sunday.

A snowstorm on Monday into Tuesday bypassed the Spokane region but dropped 5 to 8 inches in cities like Odessa in western Lincoln County.

Officials said that the arctic freeze on Tuesday and Wednesday with lows near 10 degrees increases the risk of frozen pipes. Leaving a small stream of water running can prevent frozen pipes near an outside wall.

Also, animals need to have ice-free water and shelter from the cold.

Officials also warn that combustion appliances should not be used for heating indoors because they increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.