High Wind — Coeur D'alene Area, Idaho

2021-01-13 · Coeur D'alene Area, Idaho

Event narrative

There were numerous reports of downed trees and power lines, roadways blocked, and house damage due to the high winds early January 13th. A motorist drove off the side of an embankment after the tree struck his truck on Highway 97, near Lake Coeur d'Alene. The motorist succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Due to wind damage, an estimated 30,000 customers were without power in Kootenai County, most in the Coeur d'Alene and Hayden Lake area.

Wider weather episode

A strong cold front moved through northern Idaho on the morning of January 13th. With this front, severe winds swept through the Idaho Panhandle bringing widespread damage, fallen trees, and power outages. Overall, it took a week to restore power to all who lost it.

Due to extensive wind damage and in effort to receive state funding for help with clean up, Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners signed a disaster declaration.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 937289. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.