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Storms travelling northeast over Spokane

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 0:44 GMT by KHQ
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Spokane Braces for a Fast‑Moving, Heavy‑Rainstorm as a Powerful System Races Northeast

A powerful, fast‑moving storm system has rolled into the Spokane area this morning, prompting forecasters to warn residents of a surge of intense precipitation, strong winds, and the potential for damaging hail and tornado‑like funnel clouds. The storm, which first appeared over the Palouse region in the western United States, is currently moving north‑east across the Inland Northwest and is expected to push through the Spokane metropolitan area within the next several hours.

What the Forecast Says

According to the National Weather Service’s Spokane office, the system is a classic severe thunderstorm complex fueled by a steep temperature gradient and ample moisture from the nearby Columbia River basin. The radar has already picked up a supercell—a single, highly organized thunderstorm that can produce large hail, damaging winds, and sometimes tornadoes—within the western part of the storm. In addition, a second, less organized squall line is forming to the east of the supercell, adding to the intensity of the precipitation that the region is about to experience.

The NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning that is valid from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time, covering the counties of Stevens, Pend Oreille, and parts of Spokane, Whitman, and Whitman‑King. The warning calls for “hail the size of a grapefruit or larger,” “wind gusts up to 70 mph,” and “tornadoes or tornado‑like funnel clouds.” In short, any area under the warning zone should treat the storm as a potential hazard.

The National Weather Service’s outlook for the remainder of the day notes that the storm will remain strong as it moves northeast, with peak rainfall amounts projected to reach 1–2 inches in some pockets. The rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low‑lying areas and could saturate roads and infrastructure, creating hazardous driving conditions. The heavy precipitation, coupled with strong winds, is also a danger for trees and power lines; the Spokane Electric Company has warned that power outages are possible.

Why the Storm Is So Dangerous

The system’s threat stems from its combination of three key ingredients:

1. High Moisture – The Pacific air is already saturated with moisture coming from the Columbia River and adjacent waters. As the cold front pushes through, the moisture is lifted and condenses, producing intense rainfall and cumulonimbus clouds that produce hail and strong winds.

2. Strong Wind Shear – The vertical wind shear—where wind speed and direction change with height—provides the rotation needed for supercells. The shear also enables the development of tornadoes and is a sign that the storm could be more severe than a typical shower.

3. Rapid Movement – The system is moving at roughly 30 miles per hour, which means the window for the worst impacts is narrow but intense. The rapid motion also reduces the chance for a single area to experience the storm for an extended period, but the damage that does happen can be severe.

Because of these factors, the National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced tornado warning, which is a step above a normal tornado warning and indicates a higher probability of tornadoes.

How Residents Should Respond

The NWS and local authorities have issued several practical steps for residents to take:

• Listen for Local Updates – Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for real‑time updates on the storm’s trajectory and severity.

• Avoid Low‑Hanging Trees – The wind gusts can bring down branches and even whole trees, so avoid staying near trees, especially in wooded or forested areas.

• Secure Loose Debris – Outdoor furniture, grill tops, and other loose items can become projectiles in high winds; secure or bring them indoors if possible.

• Keep Cars Parked Safely – If you are parked near a low‑lying area, consider moving your vehicle to a higher elevation to avoid floodwater.

• Prepare for Power Outages – Keep flashlights, batteries, and a small battery‑powered radio on hand. Some residents may want to prepare a small emergency kit in case the storm disrupts utilities.

• Avoid Driving Through Flooded Roads – Even shallow water can be dangerous. If you encounter flooded roads, back up or find an alternate route.

The Broader Context

The storm that has been making headlines in Spokane is part of a larger atmospheric pattern moving across the U.S. This pattern has been characterized by a “Pineapple Express”—a powerful moisture plume that carries warm, humid air from the tropical Pacific into the interior West. The interaction of this plume with the dry, colder air from the Pacific Northwest has set the stage for a series of severe thunderstorms across the Inland Northwest, the Pacific Northwest, and the high‑country Southwest.

Historically, such systems have been linked to significant flash floods in Spokane and nearby towns. In 2019, a similar storm caused flooding that forced the evacuation of the city’s downtown area and resulted in several injuries. Officials in Spokane have used that experience to reinforce infrastructure resilience and improve emergency response protocols.

Aftermath and What to Watch For

Once the storm passes, residents can expect to see scattered damage from hail, some downed trees, and potential power outages lasting anywhere from a few hours to a full day. The National Weather Service will issue a Post‑Storm Damage Assessment within the first 24 hours to help emergency services prioritize repairs.

Additionally, the region’s rivers—particularly the Spokane River—may experience a temporary rise in water level, especially in the downtown and south side neighborhoods. Local officials will monitor water gauges and advise residents on whether any additional evacuation or safety precautions are needed.

In summary, the storm racing through Spokane is a reminder that even mid‑season weather can deliver severe, fast‑moving thunderstorms with high winds, hail, and flash flooding. Residents should heed the warnings, prepare in advance, and remain alert to official updates. The storm’s brief but intense passage is likely to leave a visible mark on the region—both in the landscape and in the memories of those who endured it.