POCATELLO — The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory affecting several Eastern Idaho communities spanning from 5 a.m. Wednesday through 5 a.m. Thursday.

The advisory references a “potent storm system” working its way through the Snake River Plain and encompasses Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Mud Lake, Arco, Taber, Atomic City and Craters of the Moon National Monument.

The National Weather Service predicts accumulations of 1 to 5 inches are likely, with higher accumulations throughout the bench areas of the Snake River Plain, north of Rexburg, within Craters of the Moon and west of Mackay. Southwest wind gusts of 20 to 35 mph are also possible.

The National Weather Service warns motorists to be prepared for reduced visibility and drifting snow.

“The first round will be cold enough for snow for all areas and start gradually warming up by late Wednesday night into Thursday morning,” the agency’s advisory reads. “Additional advisories will likely be needed for Thursday into Friday morning but will likely be for elevations above 4,500 to 5,000 feet.”

The National Weather Service also advises rain and snowmelt may result in flooding of low-lying areas on Thursday.