BREAKING: Tornado warning in Southeast Idaho with hail expected. Severe storm in Boise
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Oneida and Franklin counties on Thursday afternoon and residents were advised to take shelter immediately.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 10 miles southeast of Holbrook Summit, or 11 miles northeast of Snowville, moving east at 45 mph, according to the warning.
The storm was capable of producing severe damage and ping-pong ball sized hail.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the warning said. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
Residents should shelter immediately in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Treasure Valley storms
In the Treasure Valley area, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Ada, Canyon, Elmore and Owyhee counties.
At 2:33 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Oreana, or 30 miles west of Mountain Home, moving east at 50 mph, according to the warning. The weather service said 60 mph wind gusts were expected and possible quarter-sized hail.
Boise Police and Fire responded to multiple reports of trees and power lines down from the storm across the city.
Power outages
Idaho Power was reporting several outages in the area.
Roughly 2,670 people were without power in Boise at 3:45 p.m. Another 1,171 customers around Boise were also without power.
The Ada County Highway District warned drivers that if a stoplight is out while they’re driving, they should treat it like a four-way stop.
St. Luke’s Health System reported Thursday afternoon that its hospitals had not seen any power outages. Saint Alphonsus also said it had no power problems.
This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 2:28 PM.
