Prepare for strong thunderstorms in Washington Palouse and Upper Columbia Basin

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A weather alert was issued by the NWS Spokane WA on Wednesday at 11:05 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11:45 p.m. for Washington Palouse and Upper Columbia Basin.

Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 30 mph.

"At 11:05 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms 9 miles north of Kahlotus, or 18 miles east of Connell, moving northeast at 30 mph," adds the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Lightning strikes could result in new fire starts."

Locations impacted by the alert include Lind, Endicott, Washtucna, Riparia, La Crosse, Beatrice, Paha, Ralston, Pizzro, Marengo, Winona, Benge, Hooper and Cunningham. This includes the following highways: Interstate 90 in Washington between mile markers 198 and 214. U.S. Highway 395 in Washington between mile markers 62 and 94.

The NWS states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."

This alert is in effect until 11:45 p.m.

How to react when facing a lightning hazard?

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.

Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:

• To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
• If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
• Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.
• Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If you are in a forest, stick to areas with shorter tree cover.
• If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
• Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.

What steps to follow when driving in the rain?

• Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
• Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
• Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
• Steer clear of flooded areas - When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:

1. Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
2. Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
3. Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

• Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots Washington

This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 11:08 PM.