High Wind — Upper Snake Highlands, Idaho

2018-04-02 · Upper Snake Highlands, Idaho

Event narrative

Wind gusts of 50 to 73 mph occurred behind the passage of a strong cold front. Some power lines were downed in Chester with 353 customers without power. Power line damage caused 679 customers in Teton to lose power. US Highway 20 was closed 3 miles east of Island Park with several accidents due to the high winds causing blowing snow and low visibility. State Highway 87 north of Island Park was also closed due to the blowing and drifting snow.

Wider weather episode

A powerful cold front moved through Idaho and very strong winds occurred behind the frontal passage. Sustained wind speeds over 40 mph were widespread with gusts in the 60 to 70 mph range. Many road closures due to blowing dust or blowing snow occurred with many trees downed. Widespread power outages occurred as well.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 754852. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.