Weather service warns Tri-Cities of more strong winds after 53-mph gust Monday

A gust of 53 mph was recorded Monday afternoon at the Tri-Cities Airport, and more high wind speeds were expected Tuesday.

The winds knocked down a 30-foot pine tree Monday on the 7200 block of Arrowhead Avenue in Kennewick and stranded a hiker on the McBee Grade near Benton City after the gusts threatened to blow her off an embankment Monday afternoon.

Sunday night the top wind gust was 47 mph at the Tri-Cities airport.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for more high winds from 7 p.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas.

Gusts of up to 30 mph were forecast for Monday night, increasing to gusts as high as 43 mph Tuesday during the day.

Sustained speeds of 23 to 26 mph were forecast for Tuesday, calming to 5 to 15 mph on Tuesday night.

The weather service warns that more tree limbs could be blown down.

Driving also could be difficult for taller vehicles, such as motor homes.

Tuesday may be cloudy at least in the morning, but the Tri-Cities then will get a break from the rain, according to the weather service forecast.

Sunny or partly sunny weather is forecast from Wednesday through Monday, March 3.

This story was originally published February 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM.