Winds cause havoc throughout SE Idaho

While snow has not been much of a factor this winter, wind has once again caused a number of problems in towns throughout the area.  

Last week, the National Weather Service implemented a string of weather warnings throughout the middle of the week, including a High Wind Watch that ultimately was proven out with gusts officially exceeding 60 miles an hour, and winds closer to 80 miles an hour reported in Aberdeen and other parts of SE Idaho.

Needless to say, there was a significant amount of disruption and damage as a result of the storm.  Wednesday was the peak event, with the highest winds happening between noon and 4:00 p.m.  If you traveled the freeway during or within a day of that time, you were treated to the unusual sight of semis tipped over along the sides of the freeway, as well as a number of other high profile vehicles that were unable to withstand the wind.  

School was let out in North Gem as a result of the conditions, and a downed tree caused a power outage that affected Thirkill elementary in Soda Springs.  The same power outage lasted throughout the evening for many residents of the city.

Trees were toppled, trampolines took flight, yard materials were scattered—even for an Idaho winter storm it was a bit excessive.

Looking forward through the week, precipitation is definitely in the forecast, but temperatures are such that it looks to be a wet Christmas, rather than a white one.  Still, a minor shift of a few degrees early Thursday is still a possibility.