Region smacked with rain, wind, causing multiple power outages

An atmospheric river showered southeastern Washington and north central Idaho with ample rainfall Sunday and Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, 0.46 inches were recorded at Lewiston and 0.4 inches at Grangeville.

Pullman received 1.1 inches, and just shy of an inch fell at Pomeroy, Potlatch and Waha. Lowell in Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountains received 1.39 inches.

The rain was followed by winds with gusts of 45 to 55 miles per hour across much of the region, which was responsible for some of the power outages that left about 2,000 Avista customers without electricity Monday.

The Palouse can expect more wind this afternoon, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Miranda Cote at Spokane.

The showers were good news for growers, said University of Idaho Nez Perce County Extension agent Doug Finkelnburg.

“It was very welcome to get this moisture now,” he said while noting winter wheat and winter canola will benefit in particular.

“Moisture at this time will help both crops increase their quality,” he said. “It would be great to get another inch in June. but to have some good moisture at the beginning of June is about all we can hope for in dryland country.”

There might not be much more rain in the next few weeks. Cote said there could be lingering showers today but the rest of the week will see a warming and drying trend culminating with a predicted high of about 90 degrees at Lewiston on Friday and 93 by Saturday.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2273.