A winter storm moving inland from the northern Gulf of Alaska may bring rain, snow and winds of 30 to 50 miles per hour to western Idaho Friday night and early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The West-Central and Boise mountains could get a foot or more of snow, according to Boise-based Weather Service lead forecaster Les Colin.

"It looks like a big storm, with a lot of moisture and a lot of wind," Colin said. "It's certainly stronger than any storm we've had around here for several weeks."

Colin said the Boise area will get rain Friday night, but that will turn to snow by Saturday morning. He said an inch could accumulate quickly on Saturday morning but it's hard to say now how much total snow will fall this far in advance.

"If you're traveling to the north or west on Friday night, you're going to run into this storm ... and on Saturday," Colin said.

Before the storm arrives Friday, it will be warm — the projected high is 47. The high for Saturday is currently forecast to be 41.

Katy Moeller: 377-6413