Strong Wind — Spokane Area, Washington

2024-12-18 · Spokane Area, Washington

Event narrative

At approximately 0625 PST, SPD responded to a commercial vehicle versus tree collision at Highway 2 near Sunset Frontage Road. Initial callers reported that a tree had fallen onto the highway and struck an eastbound truck, causing the truck to leave the roadway. Spokane Police and Washington State Patrol responded and found that the two occupants of the truck were deceased at the scene. Collision investigators with the SPD Major Crimes Unit (MCU) also responded to assist with the investigation. Highway 2 (eastbound) was briefly shutdown during the investigation. At this time, investigators believe that heavy winds this morning caused the tree to dislodge from the ground and fall across the roadway. Spokane Airport ASOS recorded a gusts of 30 MPH at the time of incident.

Wider weather episode

The region saw widespread snow with a strong moist system moving through the Pacific Northwest. It brought near a foot of snow to portions of the Cascades and northern mountains of Washington on December 17 -18. It was followed by gusty winds near 60 MPH Thursday afternoon.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1229703. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.