SPOKANE, WA — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Inland Northwest this afternoon and evening. Forecasters say the storms could bring isolated heavy rain, wind gusts as high as 60 mph, frequent lightning and hail up to 1 inch across parts of the region.
Counties in the path
Kootenai, Bonner, Boundary, Benewah and Shoshone counties are among the areas expected to be affected. The warning covers a broad stretch of North Idaho and nearby communities in the region.
Warm day before storms
The storms are expected to follow an unusually hot day, with temperatures in North Idaho forecast to reach the 90s. That heat is part of the setup forecasters say could help fuel storm development later in the day.
Rain may linger
The weather service says heavy rain is not likely to end with the first round of storms. Continued rain is forecast across the region into Friday and Saturday.
What residents should know
The warning points to fast-changing conditions, with wind, hail and lightning all possible in a short window. Residents in the warned counties should be ready for sudden weather changes through the afternoon, evening and into the weekend.
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