Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued in anticipation of an atmospheric river that’s expected to bring snow to all of East Idaho starting Thursday morning.
The National Weather Service said driving conditions in East Idaho will be hazardous and in many places impossible during the first phase of the atmospheric river Thursday morning through Friday afternoon.
“Persons should consider delaying all travel,” the weather service stated. “If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first-aid kit and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
The atmospheric river will come on the heels of a weaker Christmas Day weather system that brought small amounts of snow as well as rain to East Idaho.
The National Weather Service said the following areas are under winter storm warnings: Almo, Grace, Bancroft, Island Park, Bone, Henry, Albion, Tetonia, Soda Springs, Malad, Palisades, Swan Valley, Swanlake, Emigration Summit, Driggs, Downey, Rockland, Arbon, Inkom, Malta, Thatcher, Victor, McCammon, Arimo, Holbrook, Wayan, Ashton, Preston, Malta and Lava Hot Springs. These areas could receive as little as one to three inches of snow and a maximum of over 20 inches Thursday morning through Friday afternoon depending on elevation, the weather service said.