top weather events of 2019top weather events of 2019 @nwsspokane weather.gov/spokane spokane, maple...

National Weather Service Spokane

Top Weather Events of 2019

@NWSSpokaneWeather.gov/Spokane

2019 was another active weather year in the Inland Northwest. From an intense blizzard in February, to spring flooding, summer thunderstorms, and autumn snow, residents in the region saw just about everything this year. Here’s 10 of the more memorable weather events of 2019.



Downed tree branch in Plaza from the weight of the ice

Ice in Spokane

Freezing rain fell over parts of northeast Washington and north Idaho during the early morning hours of January 9th. The Spokane airport and Deer Park reported between 0.15”-0.25” of ice.

Ice in Coeur d’Alene

Spokane WAFreezing Rain: Jan 9

1

Blizzard: Feb 8 - 9


US Highway 2 near Waterville

A widespread blizzard hit the Inland Northwest on February 8th and 9th. Many roads in the region became impassable due to drifting snow. These conditions persisted in some areas for several days after the blizzard, as winds continued to drift the dry snow.

WA State Route 221Benton County

WA State Route 24South of Othello


Spokane WA

2



Pullman, WA

Wet and snowy weather from February through early April saturated the soil over the Palouse. The region was primed for flooding and a downpour on Apr 9th

produced flash flooding in Pullman and across the Palouse.

Pullman, WA

Spokane WAPullman Flash Flood: Apr 9

3

Potlatch, ID



Spokane, Maple St and I-90

A heavy cloud burst brought more rain to downtown Spokane than the storm drains could handle. The result was urban flooding during the afternoon commute, causing damage to some businesses and snarling traffic.

Spokane, Division St and North River Drive

Spokane, Division Street

Spokane WAUrban Flooding: May 16

4



Wenatchee, WA

Waterville, WA

Wenatchee, WA

Strong thunderstorms with heavy rain moved through north-central Washington. The main impact was urban flooding in Wenatchee. There was also a funnel cloud sighted near Waterville.

Spokane WASevere Thunderstorms: Jun 27

5



Hayden, ID

Spokane, WA

Strong thunderstorms moved across portions of northeast Washington and north Idaho. Winds from these storms knocked down trees which landed on cars, homes and power lines.

Spokane WA

Oldtown, ID

Strong Thunderstorm Winds: Jul 246



Snow at NWS Spokane

A little snow doesn’t seem like it’s worth of a Top 10 mention. Except this was late September. This early season snow broke several records for earliest snow ever, as well as coldest daytime high in September. Spokane only warmed to 38 degrees and received 3.3” of snow.

Sherman Pass

Rathdrum, ID

Spokane WASeptember Snow: Sep 29

7



Spokane WAEarly snow tree damage: Oct 9

Another early-season snow event occurred on Oct 9. This time the wet sticky snow fell on trees that had yet to lose their leaves. The tree damage was extensive on Spokane South Hill, and caused power outages to over 30,000 customers.

8

Spokane, 27th and Hatch

Spokane, 17th and Cook

Spokane, 15th Street



Spokane WAI-90 Pile Up: Nov 26

A highly localized burst of snow over I-90 just west of Spokane contributed to the largest multi-vehicle accident in Spokane county history. There were 127 vehicles involved in 35 collisions in a 10 mile stretch of the interstate. All of this caused by a snow shower with a diameter of less than 5 miles.

9

Photo: KREM 2

WSDOT: Geiger Blvd

Photo: KXLY



Near Sandpoint, ID

On the day before Thanksgiving, a strong wind storm struck north Idaho and extreme northeast Washington, knocking down trees. Heavy snow also fell at Blewett Pass in the Cascades.

Spokane WAStrong Winds and Snow: Nov 27

10

Near Priest River, ID

Hwy 97 Blewett Pass

top weather events of 2019top weather events of 2019 @nwsspokane weather.gov/spokane spokane, maple...

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