After nearly a week of frigid temperatures, ice storms, and heavy snow, Mother Nature is shifting gears. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon from 7 am to 9 pm on Friday, January 7th.

Winds are expected to be sustained at 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph or higher.  Warmer temperatures will cause even more havoc as fast-melting snow will fill roadways and drains with standing water and slush.  It’s a good time to check your windshield wiper fluid, you’re going to need it.

Friday will be partly cloudy and windy with highs in the mid-40s and lows will dip down to around freezing early Saturday morning.  The rest of Saturday should be pleasant with mostly sunny skies and a high of 41. Colder temps will be back for most of next week with highs around 30 and lows in the 20s.

The mountain passes have been closed off and on due to extremely adverse conditions. Be sure and check the pass before you hit the road, pack some supplies – water, snacks, toiletries and top off your fuel level.  When passes close, it can sometimes take many hours to reopen.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

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