Wind gusts to sweep Boise area with possible power outages, freezing temps
Strong wind gusts are expected to move into the Boise area, forecasters said, bringing low road visibility, plunging temperatures and possible power outages.
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory on Wednesday, June 10, for Boise and other cities across Southern Idaho.
“Windy conditions are anticipated for the south,” the weather service said in its latest Idaho state forecast discussion. “Temperatures will become unseasonably cool tonight into Thursday morning.”
The weather service said “drier and warmer weather” will return statewide later on Thursday, June 11, as well as Friday, June 12.
Here’s what to know:
How long will the wind advisory last?
The weather service’s wind advisory will go into effect at noon Wednesday and last until 9 p.m.
The weather service warned of winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph in portions of south central and southwest Idaho.
Cities under the advisory include Boise as well as Selby, Murphy Hot Springs, Three Creek, Riddle, Twin Falls, Corral, Hollister, Rogerson, Grasmere, Blaine, Fairfield, Hill City and Soldier.
How will storm affect local roads?
The weather service said visibility on local roads will be reduced to 1 or 2 miles “due to blowing dust.”
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” forecasters said, urginng drivers to “use extra caution.”
Are power outages possible?
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the National Weather Service said in the advisory. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
How should I best prepare for strong winds?
“High winds can cause considerable damage,” the Idaho Office of Emergency Management said. “Unsecured objects, such as lawn furniture or trash cans, can become dangerous projectiles.”
You should tie those items down or bring them inside, the state agency said.
“Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the wind advisory said.
You should “trim tree branches away from your house and power lines” to avoid damage from falling limbs, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management said. “If you come across downed power lines, report them to your utility company immediately.”
Report power outages to Idaho Power by calling 800-488-6151.
Should I prepare a power outage kit?
Be prepared with a power outage kit at the ready, according to Idaho Power.
Here’s what to include:
- Battery-operated flashlights, radio and clock
- Matches
- Blankets
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Non-electric can opener
- First-aid kit and prescriptions
- Battery or solar-powered chargers
- A block of ice for the freezer
- Extra batteries
How cold will temperatures get?
Though Boise wasn’t expected to see freezing temperatures, higher elevations in Idaho are about to get icy, the weather service said.
“Overnight lows on Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be at or just below freezing for the mountain valleys,” the National Weather Service said in a Tuesday, June 9 post on X. “Any lingering precipitation over the West Central Mountains will fall as snow above about 5,500 to 6,500 feet thanks to the cooler temperatures.”
What’s the weather forecast for Boise?
According to the National Weather Service’s seven-day forecast for Boise, Wednesday was expected to see cooler high temperatures near 69 degrees as strong winds blow through the area.
The overnight low temperature on Wednesday will drop near 43 degrees as breezy weather calms.
The rest of the week is expected to be clear, sunny and still.
Temperatures are expected to climb again on Thursday, which will have a high around 79.
The low is expected to reach 52 degrees overnight.
Temperatures are anticipated to reach highs in the 80s on Friday through Sunday, before Boise breaks into the 90s on Monday and Tuesday.
Lows will remain in the 50s throughout the week.
