Drifting Snow and 70 MPH Winds Cause Havoc in Walla Walla County

The wind will be relatively calm in Tri-Cities and temps will hover around 25 degrees today with a mix of snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Meanwhile, in Walla Walla, things look drastically different with gusty winds up to 65 mph and drifting snow.  Some areas of Walla Walla country could see winds as high as 70 mph.

The high wind warning is expected to continue through 4 pm this afternoon. Walla Walla County officials are recommending residents use extreme caution when driving on rural roads, and limit travel if possible.

Walla Walla’s temperatures are currently in the low 40s and will rise to the mid-40s by noon and then begin to drop to the low to mid-30s as the sunsets.

UPDATED: 1/3/22 at 4:00 p.m. 

Walla Walla County Identifies Impassable Roads Walla Walla

High winds have created snow drifts across many roads in Walla Walla County. Walla Walla County Public Works (WWCO PW) has identified the following roads as impassable: • Buroker Rd • Clodius Rd (upper end not open) • Cottonwood (from Hood Rd to Foster Rd) • End of Powerline Rd • Hart Rd • Hood Rd • Lewis Peak Rd • Lewiston Rd • Londagin Rd • Luckenbill Rd • McCown Rd (upper end not open) • Mud Creek Rd • Seaman Rd • Smith Rd • Waggoner Rd (upper end not open) • Walker Rd According to the National Weather Service, more snow is expected through the end of the week. Walla Walla County officials continue to recommend that residents of unincorporated sections of the county use extreme care when driving

Walla Walla residents can follow updates on conditions at the Walla Walla County Emergency Management Facebook page.