By Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff
The National Weather Service issued a high winds warning Dec. 16 for the Northwest and Northern Central Rockies, anticipating gusts of 50-70 mph through the following day. Bonner and Boundary counties felt the brunt of the winds in the early hours of Dec. 17, with southwest gusts of 18-24 mph leaving 13,000 without power.
As of press time, the NWS expected winds to die down by Friday, Dec. 19, though precipitation in the form of both rain and snow will likely persist until Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Avista Utilities reported approximately 4,000 power outages in Bonner County on Dec. 17, amounting to 22.11% of the area’s user base. Likewise, Northern Lights, Inc. reported 7,000 outages — 47% of users — in Bonner County and 2,100 outages — or 51% of users — in Boundary County.
In response, the West Bonner County and Lake Pend Oreille school districts canceled classes Dec. 17 for all 18 schools.
In a Dec. 16 news release, the city of Sandpoint advised that severe wind and rain “may lead to localized street flooding, ponding near storm drains and falling tree limbs.” The city requests that residents secure outdoor items that are at risk of blowing away, use caution near trees and avoid driving through standing or flowing water.
“Public Works crews are responsible for storm drains in the roadway and are prepared to respond,” officials stated in the news release. “Residents can also help by clearing leaves or debris from nearby drains if it is safe to do so.”
Report flooding and large downed branches on public roads to Bonner County Dispatch at 208-265-5525. Meanwhile, the Idaho Transportation Department “strongly encourages people to limit travel,” announcing multiple road closures and traffic delays throughout the state in a Dec. 17 news release.
“Intersections where signals have been impacted should be treated as four-way stops. Motorists should also never drive through or around road barriers for their own safety and that of crews working,” according to ITD.
Find updated road closures at 511.idaho.gov.
