Hazardous weather warning issued by National Weather Service

   The National Weather Service today has issued a hazardous weather warning for portions of north-central Idaho and western Montana.

   Beginning later in the day Monday, a strong cold front will move across north-central Idaho, possibly bringing thunderstorms, and increased threat of lightning, heavy downpours, and strong winds.

   Don Gardner, Clearwater County Emergency Management Coordinator, added that confidence is high severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening. “We are expecting damaging winds over 50 miles per hour, hail up to one inch in diameter, and heavy downpours that could bring half an inch of rain in 30 minutes,” said Gardner.

   The storms may rapidly track northeast into Montana. Idaho locations impacted could include Grangeville north to Orofino, Dent, and Headquarters. Montana locations could include Lookout Pass to Missoula and Stevensville to Polson, south and east to the Seeley Lake area. This includes portions of the I-90 corridor and the portion of US-93 and Highway 200.

   There is potential for downed trees and power lines, according to the National Weather Service.