Spokane Wind Storm
A brutal storm packing near hurricane-force winds slammed into Spokane Wind Storm and the Inland Northwest Tuesday afternoon, uprooting trees, blowing off roofs, and creating record numbers of power outages.
The 71-mile-per-hour gust at Spokane International Airport tied for the strongest ever recorded there in its 126-year history. The wind knocked down a few hundred trees, including one that fell on the runway, halting all flights.
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A ridge of high pressure moved over the region, and a fast-moving cold front with accompanying cold air came streaming in from the north. The weather system brought snow, rain, and winds to the city and other higher elevations. A couple of inches of snow was reported on the western plains, with much heavier totals at the summits.
Several businesses were forced to close early because of the strong winds. The roof collapsed, but the animals inside were unharmed and were able to make it out safely. It’s not known whether the building will be repaired.
The National Weather Service expects the winds to ease up overnight, but it won’t be a quick fix for those without power. The service says it may take days for crews to clear all the debris. Until then, motorists are advised to slow down and watch out for fallen tree branches and limbs. They also should drive on the right side of the road and use caution when passing bicyclists. They are also urged to check with their insurance company to see if they need to file a claim.
