High Wind — Eastern Magic Valley, Idaho

2020-09-07 to 2020-09-08 · Eastern Magic Valley, Idaho

Event narrative

Widespread 40 to 50 mph sustained winds with gusts as high as 73 mph affected the Eastern Magic Valley on Labor Day. The UPR site 8 miles north of Coldwater recorded a 73 mph gust with 71 mph at the RAWS at Raft River and 68 mph 6 miles west northwest of Minidoka. Multiple trees and power lines down at the Rupert Idaho Youth Ranch. One large tree was uprooted and down on a residence. Time estimated at 6:30 PN MDT. Several power outages also reported in Rupert. A pine tree was blown down near Milner Dam 11 miles west of Burley around 8:10 Pm MDT. Damage to outbuildings and sheds reported in Declo around 8:15 PM MDT. A large tree was reported down in Burley at 8:30 PM. A large pine tree was uprooted in Springdale area 3 miles west of Declo at 8:30 PM MDT. Numerous trees and tree limbs reported down in Rupert and Minidoka by the public at 9 PM. United Electirc CO-OP reported numerous power outages in Burley, Paul, Acequia, Rupert and Heyburn due to the wind damage. Large tree rported down in Heyburn at 9 PM.

Wider weather episode

A strong cold front passed through eastern Idaho shifting southerly winds to northeasterly with sustained speeds over 40 mph and gusts over 50 mph widespread. Extensive traffic problems and damage occurred.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 922785. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.