SANDPOINT — More snow is on the way.

In its winter storm warning, updated just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said it expects roughly 1.5 inches of snow in the valleys and 6 to 12 inches of snow in the mountain area. In addition, high winds are expected with gusts of up to 50 mph at exposed ridge tops. Winds in the valley were expected to reach up to 40 mph Tuesday night and up to 20 mph Wednesday morning. 

Areas included in the warning are the cities of Athol, Eastport, Sandpoint, Clark Fork, Priest River, Bonners Ferry, and Schweitzer Mountain Road.

“Travel will be very difficult to impossible,” NSA officials said in the warning. “Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact Wednesday morning commutes.”

The expected snow is on top of the 6 to 12 inches the first wave of the storm dumped on the area. The Hope area saw roughly 5.4 inches of snow, while the Elmira and Naples areas received as much as a foot of snow.

Winds are likely to play a big role in the storm system’s second wave as gusty winds could also cause obstructions like tree branches.

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” NWS officials said. 

The Weather Service also issued a backcountry avalanche warning for areas above 5,500 feet in elevation. This includes the St. Joe Mountains of the Silver Valley, the Selkirk Range, and the Cabinet Mountains of northern Idaho and western Montana. Travel in this area is not recommended. This warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

For the latest road information in Idaho, call 511.

With expected sub-arctic temperatures expected later in the week, Priest River Community Church officials said they would be opening their doors as a warming center due to expected cold weather conditions this weekend.

The warming station will be open from 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, to 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, Lori Holton said. The hours may be extended depending on weather conditions.

The church is located at 49 Washington St., Priest River.

    Judah Draxlir shared this photo of the snow in the backcountry this weekend. The region received anywhere from a few inches to more than a foot of new snow after a storm passed through the region on Monday night.