Weather warning issued for Idaho, Washington

Public health director advises residents to prepare for early winter

Snow+covers+the+bushes+and+shrubs+outside+Murrow+Hall.+WSU+campus+remains+mostly+unaffected+after+light+snowfall+occurred+Wednesday+morning.+According+to+the+National+Weather+Service%2C+no+hazardous+weather+is+expected+in+the+Palouse+at+this+time.

GRACE JOO

Snow covers the bushes and shrubs outside Murrow Hall. WSU campus remains mostly unaffected after light snowfall occurred Wednesday morning. According to the National Weather Service, no hazardous weather is expected in the Palouse at this time.

KAITLYN TEJERO, Evergreen reporter

The National Weather Service released a hazardous weather warning Wednesday morning for Southeast Washington, North Idaho and North Central Idaho.

No hazardous weather is expected in the Palouse area at this time, according to the National Weather Service.

The heavy wet snow could lead to minor tree damage and possible power outages, according to The National Weather Service. Secondary roads may also be slick this morning from a combination of black ice and snow.

Troy Henderson, Director of Whitman County Public Health, said it is important for people to have a few safety items in their car if they plan to make long trips during the winter.

“I have a sleeping bag, coat and gloves in the back of my car,” he said.

People should make any trips outside as brief as possible and be careful while driving, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

People who are planning to travel should let someone know their destination and avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if possible, according to the CDC website.

Henderson said it is not advised to be outside alone in cold weather.

“Don’t be out in severe weather, especially if you have been drinking,” he said. “Even short walks around campus can be deadly if the weather is extreme.”

There will be cold temperatures tonight in the low 20s Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service.

These temperatures are expected to be record-breaking for the date.