SEATTLE (AP) — Severe storms swept through Washington state and Idaho, creating havoc with high winds that toppled trees and power lines. The storms have left two children critically injured and thousands without power, intensifying the damage caused by more than a week of heavy rains and flooding.
On Wednesday morning, wind gusts reached up to 85 miles per hour across regions such as Pullman in Washington and the Idaho cities of Moscow and Lewiston. Data from Poweroutage.com indicates that more than half a million power customers are currently without electricity across Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s office in southern Idaho reported that powerful winds knocked over several old, rotten trees, causing critical injuries to two children. Specific details about the incident were not immediately released. Meanwhile, the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office warned residents that many roads were obstructed by fallen trees.
Residents in western Washington reported damage such as blown transformers and downed power lines as they took to social media to share their experiences early Wednesday.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed concern over the widespread devastation from the storms but noted that the full impact has yet to be assessed. He highlighted that further high water, mudslides, and power outages were predicted.
In light of the extreme weather, the state and several counties are allocating funds to assist those displaced, including covering hotel costs and groceries, while awaiting potential federal aid.
The National Weather Service warns that elevated river levels and flooding risk may persist through late this month, as efforts are underway to conduct recovery operations in affected areas.
