HOPE — While thunderstorms and high winds are expected to hit the North Idaho this week, the predicted storms are not raising alarm bells for the U.S. Forest Service crews fighting the Lightning Creek Fire, according USFS fire information officer Kary Maddox.

Maddox said that while wind is always a concern, the significant amount of rain expected will aid fire crews. The expected 20 MPH wind speeds for tomorrow were described as "gusty, but not hazardous" by Maddox and should blow slow, away from the towns in the region.

There is expected to be between 0.25 to 0.5 inches of rainfall from today to Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

“Last week’s heavy rain that was predicted did not come, so we are always careful this time of year when counting on rain,” Maddox said. “Ev

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