Wind wreaks havoc in eastern Idaho; multiple power lines damaged
Published at | Updated at
Update (2:24 p.m.)
According to an Idaho Power representative, there are 83 active power outages across its eastern region of coverage, adding up to 3,518 customers without power. This is down from around 300 total power outages from earlier in the day.
The representative, Brad Bowlin, said that Idaho Power’s current outage map isn’t reflecting all power outages because of the high volume of weather-related outages taking place.
Bowlin confirmed that Idaho Power has received multiple reports of downed power lines.
“We have crews either on site or en route to those outages, working to restore power safely,” Bowlin said.
Bowlin said that people who come across downed power lines should stay at least 100 feet away, and call 911 to report them.
“We always work with law enforcement and other first responder agencies to remind people that especially in a wind event like this, it’s not uncommon to have downed power lines,” Bowlin said. “We do de-energize those lines as soon as we are made aware that we have lines down, but people should always just assume that any downed line is energized.”
Original Story (12:30 p.m.)
ABERDEEN — As strong winds blow through eastern Idaho, some people are losing power, and authorities are warning the public to avoid the area west of Aberdeen.
At 11:30 a.m., the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office put out a post on Facebook, informing the public that “multiple” power lines are damaged. It’s unclear how extensive this damage is.
The Pocatello Police Department also issued a news release, saying it had also received reports of storm damage.
“We are receiving reports of fallen trees and downed power lines due to extreme weather. Please use caution when driving and when exiting your home if you are near these hazards,” the release reads. “Police and fire personnel are working to reopen roads and secure affected areas while utilities work to shut off power to impacted lines.”
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Wednesday morning, a little before 10 p.m. The warning was in effect for parts of eastern Idaho until 10:45 a.m. for “destructive 80 mph winds.”
RELATED | Severe thunderstorm warning with 80 mph winds in effect for parts of eastern Idaho
An EastIdahoNews.com reader sent us a number of photos showing fallen power lines and irrigation equipment blown into the road. Another reader from American Falls sent in a photo showing damage to a large structure, presumably due to the storm.
Idaho Power’s outage map shows hundreds of customers without power in various places in Bannock and Bingham counties. Rocky Mountain Power’s outage map shows a number of power outages in Madison, Fremont and Butte counties.
EastIdahoNews.com will update this story when more information becomes available.
See the latest weather and road conditions on the East Idaho News weather page.
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