Thunderstorm Wind — Twin Falls, Idaho

2021-08-16 · near Cedar, Twin Falls, Idaho

Event narrative

Several residents described a sudden wind storm occurring with little, if any, rain and lasting about 5 to 10 minutes between approximately 7:20 pm and 7:30 pm. A resident described two bursts of wind about 3 minutes apart. Most of the damage was observed on the north side of town... north of Highway 30 between Buhl and the Snake River along E 1500 E road. The damage consisted of numerous large diameter trees (both hardwood and soft wood), which were uprooted and blown down toward the northeast. Some of the falling trees damaged trailers, cars, roofs and fences when they fell. One travel trailer was totally destroyed by a falling tree. Another travel trailer was blown over and rolled by the wind. Part of the metal roof on a garage was peeled off. A hen house was reported to be blown off the foundation. Damage to power lines was also reported with about 1000 residents losing power on Monday night. The observed damage and eye witness reports were consistent with downburst winds of 70 to 80 mph, generally blowing from the southwest toward the northeast which accelerated down slope towards the Snake River. No injuries were reported and no significant damage to residential structures was observed.

Wider weather episode

A cold front combined with surface daytime heating lead to isolated severe thunderstorms and showers throughout South Central Idaho.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (42.6500, -114.7500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 982810. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.