Key Takeaways:
- Nearly 100,000 electric customers were without power due to a severe windstorm in the Inland Northwest.
- The worst of the windstorm passed through the Spokane area, with gusts reaching as high as 75 mph.
- Utility companies are working to restore power, with some areas already seeing restoration.
- Residents are advised to use caution when reporting downed trees and power lines, and to call 911 only in cases of imminent risk.
- Several roads and arterials were blocked by trees, and some schools and universities have announced delayed starts.
Introduction to the Windstorm
The Inland Northwest experienced a severe windstorm, resulting in nearly 100,000 electric customers losing power. The storm, which began to affect the area around 4:30 a.m., saw a steady increase in outages, with the worst of the windstorm passing through the Spokane area by 7:30 a.m. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Daniel Butler, the region could still see wind gusts as high as 55 mph throughout the morning, before dying down to peaks of around 20 mph by the evening.
Power Outages and Restoration Efforts
As of 10 a.m., Avista Utilities reported 67,700 customers without power, down from 77,400 at 7:55 a.m. Inland Power had 13,100 customers without power, accounting for nearly 30% of their customers. Other utility companies, such as Northern Lights, Kootenai Electric Cooperative, and Pend Oreille Public Utility District, also reported significant outages. Avista spokesman David Vowels stated that work crews were out assessing damage and that it was unclear when power would be restored. "We are fully staffed and assessing the damage as quickly as possible," he said.
Weather Conditions and Records
The windstorm brought extremely high gusts, with Spokane International Airport measuring a gust of 75 mph, which could be a new record high if verified. The official record of 71 mph was recorded in 2021 and 2015. Felts Field in east Spokane recorded a gust of 67 mph. The weather service issued a high wind warning effective through 4 p.m., and residents were advised to exercise caution when outdoors.
Emergency Response and Safety Precautions
Spokane Fire spokesman Justin De Ruyter reported that the agency spent the morning responding to numerous calls, predominantly involving downed trees and power lines. He advised residents to use their best judgment when reporting downed trees or power lines, and to call 911 only in cases of imminent risk. For other power line issues, such as a tree leaning on a line, residents can report to Avista at (800) 227-9187. Trees blocking city roadways can be reported by dialing 311.
Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure
The windstorm caused significant disruptions to daily life, with several roads and arterials blocked by trees. The city of Spokane reported that four arterials were blocked, including Bernard Street, Cowley Street, Boone Avenue, and Green Street. The windstorm also knocked out two stoplights at the intersection of Spring and Main streets in Pullman. Pullman School District and Washington State University announced delayed starts by two hours due to the storm. Additionally, equipment at Lewiston and Moscow-Pullman airports picked up the highest wind gusts in the region, at 84 and 81 mph, respectively.
Regional Effects and Cleanup Efforts
The windstorm had a significant impact on the region, with trees down on more than a dozen Pullman streets and numerous downed power lines. Pullman officials are asking residents to use extreme caution if they come across a downed line, to call 911 and report the issue to Avista. The Washington State Patrol reported that two semitrucks blew over on U.S. 195 Highway 195 near Colton. As the region begins to recover from the storm, residents are advised to remain vigilant and to report any hazards or damage to the relevant authorities.
