First snow of the season expected overnight Tuesday as temperature drops

Colder weather is forecast to usher in the first snowstorm of the season across much of the Inland Northwest beginning Tuesday night.

Snow should continue through Wednesday morning before slowing in the afternoon and evening, said Miranda Cote, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Spokane. The weather service has issued a winter weather advisory from 11 p.m. Tuesday to 11 p.m. Wednesday.

How much snow will fall depends on the part of town. Expect less than an inch downtown, an inch on the South Hill and up to two inches in the West Plains. Flurries could linger into Thursday, Cote said.

More snow is likely at higher elevations, especially in the eastern Cascades where up to 16 inches is possible. Travel could be difficult over mountain passes, including Lookout Pass in Idaho.

Drivers should be prepared for winter conditions at all elevations, Cote said. Slipperiness will likely impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.

The load from heavy snow could break branches on trees that still have leaves, which could lead to power outages.

After the storm, frigid overnight and morning temperatures will linger into next week. In Spokane, temperatures could reach the low 20s with highs in the upper 30s.

Northeast winds will range from 10 to 20 mph, with some higher gusts.

Temperatures are forecast to return to the seasonal average of around 50 degrees in early November.