High Winds: Multiple crashes and major closures along I-15
Seth Ratliff
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Damaging winds gusting between 30 and 40 MPH are wreaking havoc across Eastern Idaho today. A High Wind Warning remains in effect for the region until 9:00 PM tonight, as reports of downed trees and utility poles, and structural damage continue.
Major Travel Alert: I-15 Closure
As of 1:06 PM, hazardous driving conditions and low visibility have forced the closure of Interstate 15 in both directions from Idaho Falls to State Highway 33. ITD has not provided an estimated time for reopening, citing extreme gusts and blowing dust.
As of 4:50 PM, hazardous driving conditions and low visibility have forced a closure along I-15 in both directions from S. Idaho Falls Exit 113 to Shelley Exit 108. Travelers and commuters are being directed to use US-91 as an alternate route. For updates, click HERE.
Multiple Crashes Along I-15 South of Idaho Falls
Idaho State Police Troopers are responding to multiple crashes along I-15 due to low visibility from the high winds.
In a post on Facebook, the ISP shared footage of a crash near milepost 113, just south of Idaho Falls. IFFD and other emergency responders are on the scene. According to Jessica Clements with the Idaho Falls Fire Department, the crash took place around 3:04 PM and involved several vehicles.
According to Kimberly Felker, acting PIO for IFFD, emergency responders evaluated those involved in the crash, and one person was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. No further details on their condition are available at this time.
Local News 8 is reaching out to the ISP and Idaho Falls Police for more details on the crash. For updates on road closures, click HERE.
Idaho Falls: Outages and Damage
In Bonneville County, the winds have caused multiple power outages, including in the Tautphaus Park area. Idaho Falls Power is on-site near the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena, where a downed tree and utility pole have severed power to the arena and surrounding residential blocks. Rogers Street off S Boulevard into Tautphaus Park is currently closed due to downed power lines and a tree.
Up to 60 MPH gusts have also stripped paneling from the facade of the Tru by Hilton hotel on Lindsay Blvd.
The City of Idaho Falls says Idaho Falls Power and Idaho Falls Fiber crews will continue working until service is restored to all affected customers, starting with the most affected areas.
“Strong wind events like this can cause widespread damage to trees and power infrastructure,” said Stephen Boorman, Interim General Manager of Idaho Falls Power. “Our crews are out in the field working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to impacted areas. We appreciate the community’s patience while they work through these outages.”
To report a power outage in your area, visit the Idaho Falls Power website or your utility provider.
City leadership urges residents to stay indoors if possible and exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary:
Idaho Falls Power provides the following Safety reminders during high winds and power outages:
Use caution around trees, power poles, and other tall objects that may be affected by strong winds.
Be patient and alert while driving. Debris in the roadway, signal outages, and emergency responses may cause unexpected delays.
If an object falls into power lines, do not approach it. Downed power lines can still be energized and extremely dangerous.
When reporting power line issues, please let dispatch know if there is a fire or simply an obstruction on the line.
Never cross downed power lines, including walking or driving near, on, or under them.
Report emergencies such as fires or immediate safety hazards to 911.
Local News 8 is tracking the wind’s impact across the region. Follow this story for continuous updates as the situation develops.