High Wind — Okanogan Highlands, Washington

2021-11-15 · Okanogan Highlands, Washington

Event narrative

Sherman Pass, on State Route 20, was closed due to 4-5 large trees down from the winds. They blocked the road in both directions for over an hour before cleared. There were several reports throughout Ferry County, in the Okanogan Highlands, of large downed trees, including ponderosa pines.

Wider weather episode

The wind event of Nov 15, 2021 was a 'warm sector' wind event, which are characterized by the Inland Northwest being in the warm sector of an atmospheric river event for multiple days and lead to high winds. Most damage to the region were trees down, power lines down, and roof damage. Avista Utilities and Inland Power reported that approximately 50,000 customers were without power in the height of the storm in the evening.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 992463. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.