Rare 'Tornado' Hazard Issued for Idaho, Washington This Afternoon

A weather alert appearing across the State of Idaho and other nearby states such as Washington and Oregon has many scratching their heads.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we're relatively lucky. We live in one of the most amazing regions anywhere in the country with booming cities and some of the best nature and outdoor activity anywhere in America.

One of the most underrated benefits of living here? We are very rarely impacted by natural disasters!

No hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes around here!

Or, have we spoken too soon?

Just a couple of years ago, a crazy looking tornado rolled over the mountains of North Idaho!

Wild Images of a Tornado Over Mountains North of Idaho

Locals in Montana captured stunning images of a tornado touching down over a mountain. Have you ever seen anything like this?

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

What would you do if you saw this thing coming?

While tornadoes are not common in our area they can certainly happen and the National Weather Service has issued a warning--even if it is ever so subtle--that we aren't used to reading about in our parts!

Expect some storms but the experts are saying, it COULD mean a tornado!

If you are wondering WHY tornadoes in Idaho are rarely a thing-- scientists explain that the mountain ranges in Central Idaho disrupt cold fronts that could cause them and that the Owyhee mountains often block any shot at warm moisture.

Those big beautiful Idaho mountains? They do more than just look nice--but they protect us!

Tornadoes in Idaho? They're rare, but possible and some of them in the past have caused major injuries and even death!