High Wind and Strong Wind in Idaho, January 13 to 14, 2021

Name: High Wind and Strong Wind in Idaho, January 13 to 14, 2021
Start: 2021-01-13T04:00
End: 2021-01-14T00:00
Location: Idaho

January 13 to 14, 2021 · NWS OTX · 8 events in 5 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 8 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
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Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 2
Injuries: 1
Property damage: $5.1 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 8

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS OTX wrote it up.

A strong cold front moved through northern Idaho on the morning of January 13th. With this front, severe winds swept through the Idaho Panhandle bringing widespread damage, fallen trees, and power outages. In Kootenai and Shoshone counties, widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph winds were observed. Winds were not as strong through the remainder of the Panhandle counties, but they still created power outages, downed trees, and wind damage. Numerous school districts cancelled school due to lack of power. Overall, it took a week to restore power to all who lost it.

Due to extensive wind damage and in effort to receive state funding for help with clean up, Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners signed a disaster declaration.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Spokane, WA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 13, 2:39 AM PST, 1 hour 21 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 13, 2:39 AM PST, 1 hour 21 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Spokane WA
239 AM PST Wed Jan 13 2021

.SYNOPSIS...
A strong storm system will continue to bring periods of moderate
to heavy precipitation through the morning. Strong winds
developing will continue into the afternoon hours today. Winds
may be strong enough to result in downed trees and power outages.
Drier weather returns on Thursday, with a few chances for light
mountain snow through the beginning of next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Today through Tonight: The potent cold front associated with our
persistent slug of moisture and pineapple express weather pattern
is on our doorsteps early this morning. Morning weather analysis
across Washington and Oregon would show the cold front just
crossing the Cascades as winds are shifting from the south to the
southwest and picking up speeds. Just south of our forecast area
we're seeing wind gusts in the 35 - 45 mph range with select
locations observing 50+ mph. The forecast models have all been in
great agreement, so not many changes in the short term forecast
this morning. One interesting thing I noted was the 00z KOTX
sounding has 44kt of wind at 850 mb (about 2200 ft above the
ground) and model guidance was suggesting similar wind speeds at
00z Wednesday (Tuesday afternoon). Projecting ahead, our peak
winds look like they are showing face as of 130 am PST and will
continue to peak the next several hours, through 800 am PST or so
with the frontal passage. The majority of model guidance continues
to suggest decent mixing of 50-65 kt of wind with the frontal
passage.

*The impacts from strong winds remain the same: potential for
 widespread damage and downed trees and branches, power outages.

The other weather hazard we're dealing with is a significant
amount of rain over a few days which has led to several river and
creek rises. In particular is the Palouse River. We're monitoring
this area and others closely, but it looks like the area along the
Palouse River from Moscow into Pullman will reach bankfull and
perhaps overcome that. This river is expected to see levels recede
through late Wednesday and into Thursday as our prolonged
precipitation event comes to an end. /Dewey

Thursday through Tuesday: Not much has changed for the extended
forecast period. Still looking at less active conditions with a
chance for light mountain snow Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday.
Lowland precipitation looks closer to improbable on these days,
but scattered, light snow or rain accumulations cannot be ruled
out, particularly Sunday and Tuesday. Sunday could also be
somewhat windy but likely not very impactful.

During this period, temperatures will be slightly above normal,
with highs in the 30s to mid 40s and lows in the 20s to mid 30s.
RC

&&

.AVIATION...
12Z TAFS:

HIGH WINDS OVERNIGHT BETWEEN 10Z TO 16Z WITH STRONG COLD FRONT

A vigorous low pressure system is bringing rain and low level
wind shear through the overnight hours into late Wednesday morning.
Winds up at 2 kft agl will increase to between 50-60 kts while in
the warm sector of this low pressure system. The trailing cold
front will then sweep across the region through the early morning
hours when it is anticipated that these high winds will surface
down producing gusts of 40 to 50 kts. The surface gradient will
remain strong into the afternoon. High end wind gusts will come
down a little for the afternoon, but winds will remain very windy.
There is also a chance for convective showers to develop right
along the cold front between 14-17Z. Dry air will move in behind
these showers with VFR conditions prevailing with the windy
conditions. /Dewey

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Spokane        38  47  24  36  27  37 / 100  30  10   0   0   0
Coeur d'Alene  37  46  23  36  27  37 / 100  60  10   0   0   0
Pullman        39  46  26  39  29  37 / 100  70  10   0   0  10
Lewiston       49  53  30  43  33  44 /  90  70  10   0   0  10
Colville       35  46  19  34  23  36 / 100  20  10   0   0   0
Sandpoint      37  43  22  33  24  34 / 100  80  30   0   0  10
Kellogg        38  43  24  37  28  37 / 100 100  40   0   0  20
Moses Lake     38  50  27  42  30  40 /  90  10   0   0   0   0
Wenatchee      33  44  26  37  29  39 /  90  20  10   0  10  10
Omak           36  47  23  36  27  37 / 100  20  10   0  10   0

&&

.OTX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ID...Wind Advisory from 3 AM to 4 PM PST Wednesday for Central
     Panhandle Mountains-Northern Panhandle.

     High Wind Warning from 2 AM to 4 PM PST Wednesday for Coeur
     d'Alene Area-Idaho Palouse-Lewiston Area.

     High Wind Warning from 3 AM to 10 AM PST Wednesday for Lewis and
     Southern Nez Perce Counties.

WA...Wind Advisory from 3 AM to 4 PM PST Wednesday for Northeast
     Mountains.

     High Wind Warning from 2 AM to 4 PM PST Wednesday for Lower
     Garfield and Asotin Counties-Spokane Area-Upper Columbia
     Basin-Washington Palouse.

     Wind Advisory from 2 AM to 8 AM PST Wednesday for Moses Lake
     Area-Waterville Plateau-Wenatchee Area.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 12, 2:48 PM PST, 13 hours 12 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Spokane WA
248 PM PST Tue Jan 12 2021

IDZ001-004-WAZ037-038-042-132300-
Northern Panhandle-Central Panhandle Mountains-
Northeast Mountains-Okanogan Highlands-
East Slopes Northern Cascades-
248 PM PST Tue Jan 12 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North Idaho...
North Central Washington and Northeast Washington.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

Widespread rain is expected to persist tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

Winds will increase out of the south-southwest early Wednesday.
Strong winds are expected and impacts include damage to trees,
power outages, and difficult travel for high profile vehicles.
Recent rain and snowmelt will likely produce small creek rises and
heighten the potential for rock slides in steep terrain.
Precipitation will taper off Wednesday and a brief break in the
weather is expected Thursday through early Friday.

IDZ027-WAZ031-032-034-035-041-043-044-132300-
Lewis and Southern Nez Perce Counties-Northeast Blue Mountains-
Lower Garfield and Asotin Counties-Moses Lake Area-
Upper Columbia Basin-Wenatchee Area-Okanogan Valley-
Waterville Plateau-
248 PM PST Tue Jan 12 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North Central
Idaho...Central Washington...East Central Washington...North
Central Washington and Southeast Washington.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

Widespread rain is expected to persist tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

Winds will increase out of the south-southwest early Wednesday.
Strong winds are expected and impacts include damage to trees,
power outages, and difficult travel for high profile vehicles.
Precipitation will taper off Wednesday and a brief break in the
weather is expected Thursday through early Friday.

IDZ002-003-026-WAZ033-036-132300-
Coeur d'Alene Area-Idaho Palouse-Lewiston Area-Washington Palouse-
Spokane Area-
248 PM PST Tue Jan 12 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North Idaho...
North Central Idaho...Northeast Washington and Southeast
Washington.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

Widespread rain is expected to persist tonight. The rain and
snowmelt will cause minor flooding and heighten the potential for
rock slides in steep terrain.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

Rain and snowmelt will cause minor flooding and lead to rises on
small rivers and creeks and heighten the potential for rock slides
in steep terrain. Winds will increase out of the south-southwest
early Wednesday. Strong winds are expected and impacts include
damage to trees, power outages, and difficult travel for high
profile vehicles. Precipitation will taper off Wednesday and a
brief break in the weather is expected Thursday through early
Friday.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 high wind, 3 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Coeur D'Alene Area

When: January 13, 4:00 AM PST to 8:00 AM PST
Where: Coeur D'Alene Area forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 47.675, -116.700 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Broadcast media reported that a motorist drove off the side of an embankment after the tree struck his truck on Highway 97, near Lake Coeur d'Alene. The motorist succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

High Wind, Coeur D'Alene Area

When: January 13, 4:00 AM PST to 8:00 AM PST
Where: Coeur D'Alene Area forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Injuries: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $5.0 million
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 47.675, -116.700 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There were numerous reports of downed trees and power lines, roadways blocked, and house damage due to the high winds early January 13th. A motorist drove off the side of an embankment after the tree struck his truck on Highway 97, near Lake Coeur d'Alene. The motorist succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Due to wind damage, an estimated 30,000 customers were without power in Kootenai County, most in the Coeur d'Alene and Hayden Lake area.

High Wind, Lewis and Southern Nez Perce

When: January 13, 4:00 AM PST to January 14, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Lewis and Southern Nez Perce forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 46.282, -116.588 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Avista Utilities reported approximately 2,200 customers without power in the Lewis Clark Valley and Camas Prairie due to high winds.

Strong Wind, Idaho Palouse

When: January 13, 6:00 AM PST to 8:00 AM PST
Where: Idaho Palouse forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 47.017, -116.685 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Broadcast media reported numerous blockages on US 95, north of Tensed, due to a crash from downed power lines.

High Wind, Idaho Palouse

When: January 13, 6:00 AM PST to 8:00 AM PST
Where: Idaho Palouse forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 47.017, -116.685 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Gusty winds occurred across the Idaho Palouse early January 13th. Downed power lines on US Highway 95 led to a vehicle crash and numerous blockages until the road was safely cleared. The estimated wind gust of 50 knots is based on wind damage.

Strong Wind, Central Panhandle Mountains

When: January 13, 7:00 AM PST to 10:00 AM PST
Where: Central Panhandle Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 47.265, -116.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Broadcast media reported approximately 40 miners trapped after the Galena Mine Complex lost power due to strong winds. Power was restored 24 hours later and all miners made it out safely.

Strong Wind, Northern Panhandle

When: January 13, 7:00 AM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Northern Panhandle forecast zone
Measured: 41 kt (47 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 48.247, -116.588 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A utility company reported approximately 10,000 customers without power in Bonner County due to damage to power lines from wind damage.

High Wind, Central Panhandle Mountains

When: January 13, 7:00 AM PST to 10:00 AM PST
Where: Central Panhandle Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 47.265, -116.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

There were widespread gusts up to 60 mph, which led to power outages, across Shoshone County. Approximately 40 miners trapped after the Galena Mine Complex lost power due to strong winds. Power was restored 24 hours later and all miners made it out safely.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
High Wind, Coeur D'Alene Area	2021-01-13	59	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct
High Wind, Coeur D'Alene Area	2021-01-13			Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Idaho in 2021 Every state in 2021 This day in weather history Warnings in Idaho, January 2021

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 937288, 937289, 938528, 937295, 976819, 937279, 937296, 976773.