Month: December 2025

Seth Ratliff

EASTERN IDAHO — “Wicked” weather is wreaking havoc across the region today as a line of powerful thunderstorms sweeps through. Local News 8 is tracking this storm in real-time and will provide continuous live updates as new reports of damage and outages come in.

American Falls/Aberdeen: Power Outage and Warming Station

Idaho Power crews are working around the clock to restore electricity in American Falls and Aberdeen. However, the utility warns that some residents should prepare to be without power overnight.

If you are affected, a warming shelter is opening at American Falls High School. To access the facility, you must first contact Power County Dispatch at 208-226-2319.

Downed Trees and Power Lines

With wind gusts clocked at up to and above 80 mph, we are seeing widespread reports of structural damage and utility failures.

Idaho Power crews are working to fix a downed power line in Pocatello on Pocatello Creek Road.

Power County: Travel Advisory

The Power County Sheriff’s Office has issued an alert on Facebook, advising travelers to avoid traveling down North Pleasant Valley Rd and South Pleasant Valley Rd due to multiple downed power lines and trees in the area.

“Please do not travel these roads unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!!!” the Highway District wrote on Facebook. “It is not safe for travel. We have exhausted all of our resources to close the roads. DO NOT travel these roads simply to observe the damage.”

PCSO confirms they have deputies, Idaho Power, and the Power County Highway District addressing the issue.

I-15 closed near Bannock/Oneida County Line

All northbound lanes of I-15 are currently blocked at the Bannock/Oneida County line following a major crash near milepost 28. According to Idaho 511, the incident began around 1:27 PM.

Local drivers have reported multiple overturned semi-trucks south of McCammon, with photos showing the impact to the area.

Butte County

Severe winds have left a trail of damage in Howe, Idaho, with the local community center bearing the brunt of the storm. Resident Kevin Smith reports that two power poles were impacted and a transformer was knocked to the ground at the facility. He says utility crews are currently on-site and are expected to continue repairs through midnight.

The wind also damaged two local churches: photos show significant roofing torn from the LDS church building and a large tree downed at the Little Lost River Bible Church.

I-84 reopens after Semis blown over by severe winds

Both directions of Interstate 84 were closed between mile markers 230 and 240 due to two separate semi-truck rollovers caused by high winds. The road reopened around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the closure via Facebook.

A semi tipped over on I-86 near American Falls. Courtesy: Jessica Grover

Bingham County: Travel Advisory/Downed Power Lines

Bingham County Sheriff’s Office has issued a travel advisory due to the extreme weather sweeping through the area, warning drivers to avoid traveling west of Aberdeen due to “multiple power lines down all over the roads.” The Power Company and officers are on the scene, and BCSO says they are addressing the issue as best as they can.

A semi is pushed off the I-86 near American Falls. Courtesy: Jessica Grover

Pocatello: Downed Lines and Fallen Trees

Pocatello Police are currently responding to a surge of calls involving fallen trees and downed power lines. Authorities are urging all residents to exercise extreme caution when leaving their homes, as hazards may be obscured by debris.

Police and Fire personnel are working to reopen roads and secure affected areas while utilities work to shut off power to impacted lines.

If you see a downed power line, Police say assume it is live and follow these safety tips.

Stay at least 30 feet away from the line and anything touching it.

Do not attempt to move the line or objects around it.

Avoid driving over or stepping near water that may be energized.

If a powerline falls on your vehicle, stay inside until emergency personnel arrive.

Call 911 or the utility company to report downed lines immediately.

Crews work to clear a fallen tree on Riverside Drive in Pocatello on December 17, 2025.

Regional: Power Outages

Multiple power outages are currently affecting the region. You can monitor the restoration progress via the official maps below:

Idaho Power Outage Map

Rocky Mountain Power Outage Map

Bingham County: Severe Weather Warning Issued

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has issued an alert regarding the hazard of 70 mph wind gusts and a line of severe thunderstorms moving southeast. Authorities are warning of potential damage to trees, mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings in the region.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for the latest weather alerts, road closures, and power restoration timelines.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 68-year-old Driggs man and registered sex offender is facing federal charges after allegedly sharing and promoting child sexual abuse material. Dennis J. Empey has pleaded not guilty and was granted pretrial release from jail under strict conditions.

Empey was formerly charged with multiple counts of possessing, soliciting, distributing, and disseminating child sexual abuse material in Teton County, Idaho. The case was elevated to federal authorities after Teton County investigators reviewed evidence for potential violations of federal law.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond E. Patricco released Empey from jail, placing him under home confinement with GPS monitoring while he awaits trial. His release is contingent upon strict adherence to several rules, including limited internet access, a total prohibition on contact with minors, and third-party supervision. Any violation of these terms will result in his immediate return to custody.

The charges stem from a December 2024 incident following a report from a hospital worker. According to court filings, the worker spotted images of young children on Empey’s phone while he was attempting to show medical staff a photograph of a wound. On January 15, 2025, detectives interviewed Empey at his residence, where he consented to a digital search of his device.

Upon further search, detectives discovered a cache of sexually exploitative videos and photographs of children. Investigators also discovered WhatsApp messages dating back to September 2024, which detailed communications between Empey and two 17-year-old boys living in other countries.

RELATED: Teton County registered sex offender charged with multiple child exploitation felonies following tip from hospital staff

Empey is a registered sex offender with prior convictions for abusing minors as a Boy Scout Leader.

He is scheduled to go to trial on January 20, 2026, in Pocatello. If convicted on the federal counts, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and the possibility of lifetime supervised release.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A fast-moving fire destroyed a vehicle and a chicken coop early Wednesday morning, leaving one resident injured and 13 chickens dead.

The Idaho Falls Fire Department was called to the blaze off West Broadway Street at 5:40 a.m. on Dec. 17, where they found a fire burning between two mobile homes.

Crews were able to rapidly contain the flames in under 10 minutes, which prevented the fire from consuming the nearby residences. While the neighboring trailers were saved from destruction, one home sustained partial damage, and a nearby car was completely destroyed.

The chicken coop where the fire originated was a total loss, resulting in the death of 13 chickens. Fire officials have estimated the total property damage from the incident at $30,000.

One resident sustained minor injuries during the incident but declined treatment by EMS at the scene.

According to the Idaho Falls Fire Department, the fire originated in the chicken coop between two trailers off West Broadway Street. The call came in around 5:40, and crews rushed to the scene, quickly containing the fire in under 10 minutes, preventing further damage to the nearby trailer homes.

The chicken coop was a total loss, and 13 chickens perished in the fire. The neighboring trailer was partially impacted, with a nearby car being completely destroyed. Total damages from the incident are estimated at $30,000.

One resident sustained minor injuries and refused treatment by EMS at the scene. According to IFFD, a total of 19 firefighters responded to the call, including three engines, a ladder truck, three ambulances, and a battalion chief. Supporting agencies, including Intermountain Gas and Rocky Mountain Power, also arrived to secure utilities, while a chaplain provided on-site assistance to those affected.

The Idaho Falls Fire Department says it has concluded its investigation into the matter. While the fire was traced back to the chicken coop, the exact cause remains undetermined.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – On Tuesday night, the Idaho Falls School District 91 released a statement regarding a potential concern about student safety. An individual on the sex offender registry reportedly made comments about observing children in their neighborhood.

The area of concern is north of Broadway St. and south of Grandview Dr., between Skyline Dr. and Bellin Rd. The Idaho Falls Police Department is investigating the situation. District administration is sharing this information with parents and guardians, along with a few reminders about student safety.

Parents are always welcome to drive their students to school. For students who continue to ride the bus, D91 administrators will monitor bus stops in the affected area in the morning and afternoon for the rest of the week. Administrators are encouraging families and neighborhoods to work together to plan for additional precautions throughout the upcoming break. They also encourage families to discuss safety practices with their students and remind them to take precautions, especially outside school hours and on weekends.

Students should walk in groups or pairs whenever possible.

Students should be alert to what is going on around them.

Students should not speak with, approach, or follow adults they do not know.

If you observe suspicious activity near or around a school, a bus stop, or your neighborhood, you should note the following information and then call 911:

Describe the suspect, noting approximate height and weight; color, length, and style of hair; presence of facial hair; distinctive clothing; or other markings.

Record the license number, color, make, and model of a vehicle, if present, as well as any identifying marks on the vehicle.

The Idaho Falls School District 91 administration will work closely with the Idaho Falls Police Department to address concerns and keep parents informed. A good way to monitor your neighborhood is to visit the sex offender registry, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.