High Wind — Lost River Valleys, Idaho

2025-12-17 · Lost River Valleys, Idaho

Event narrative

Wind gusts measured were 74 mph at Howe, 62 mph at Willow Creek Summit, 66 mph at the Sand Dunes mesonet, and 62 mph at Darlington.

A portion of the roof of the LDS Church in Howe was blown off. A large tree at the Little Lost River Church in Howe was downed with two power poles snapped off and there was also damage at the Howe Community Center.

Wider weather episode

A powerful cold front ripped through eastern Idaho on the 17th and included severe thunderstorms along the front and extremely high non thunderstorm winds in the cold sector post cold frontal passage throughout the day. Extensive damage was reported throughout the region.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1309557. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.