High Wind in Idaho, March 14, 2026

Name: High Wind in Idaho, March 14, 2026
Start: 2026-03-14T09:00
End: 2026-03-14T23:00
Location: Idaho

March 14, 2026 · NWS PIH · 22 events in 22 counties and zones

Yet another in a week of extremely strong winds occurred with the strongest wind day with a peak of 89 mph at East Butte and several gusts over 70 mph throughout the state. Interstate 15 was pre-emptively closed from Shelley to north of Idaho Falls in anticipation of the extreme event.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 22 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $180,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 22

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 PIH wrote it up.

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 Pocatello, ID wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 14, 4:17 AM MST, 4 hours 43 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Strong to damaging wind gusts and blowing dust are expected for East Idaho Saturday.
A combination of Wind Advisory, High Wind Warning, and Blowing Dust Warning headlines are in place for Saturday.
A major warming trend follows this system, with potential record-breaking temperatures in the 70s and lower 80s expected next week.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 14, 4:17 AM MST, 4 hours 43 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pocatello ID
517 AM MDT Sat Mar 14 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Strong to damaging wind gusts and blowing dust are expected
  for East Idaho Saturday.

- A combination of Wind Advisory, High Wind Warning, and Blowing
  Dust Warning headlines are in place for Saturday.

- A major warming trend follows this system, with potential
  record-breaking temperatures in the 70s and lower 80s expected
  next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 1145 PM MDT Fri Mar 13 2026

The forecast for the next 24 hours hasn't really changed. The
story will be the widespread high wind event across central and
eastern Idaho starting later this morning and lasting through
this evening. Widespread gusts of 40-55 mph are expected, with
gusts of 65 mph or higher across the Snake Plain/Magic Valley
and adjacent bench areas, higher elevations of the central
mountains, the South Hills/Albion Mountains, and the Bear River
Range. There is a 20-60% chance of exceeding 75 mph across
higher ridgelines in the central mountains, the South
Hills/Albion Mountains, and Bear River Range especially along
and south of the Utah border. Blowing dust will be a huge issue
just as we saw on Thursday. Stating the obvious, we will keep
the HIGH WIND WARNING, WIND ADVISORY, and BLOWING DUST WARNING
in place. The other concern still the potential for some rain
and snow across the area today. As the past several days, the
focus for embedded higher amounts will across the Sawtooths and
surrounding ranges, and the eastern highlands. There is still
the potential for showers at some point across all of central
and eastern Idaho with the front. Totals in most areas may
amount to nothing more than a trace or flurries/sprinkles. Most
higher elevations will see less than 0.20" for additional
numbers. For the Big Holes and along the border with Yellowstone
and Tetons, look for 0.20-0.50". Look for similar amounts along
the Smokys, Sawtooths, and the Salmon River Mountains. Locally
higher amounts are possible on north and west facing slopes
heading toward the Boise side of the central mountains.
Additional high mountain snow in most areas could be 1-3" with
locally higher amounts north and west of Galena Summit.

Winds ease up overnight across the region as northwest flow
develops, bringing an end to the wind machine for East Idaho for
the time being. This ushers in the beginning of an increasingly
warm and dry period for East Idaho. Temperatures increase
through the week, trending toward record highs in the 70s to
lower 80s Tuesday through the rest of the week. Another low
passing to our north should bring some showers to the central
mountains and eastern highlands Monday before we dry out with
the upcoming pattern change.

&&

.AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 503 AM MDT Sat Mar 14 2026

Do expect some showers around today before the wind machine
kicks into high gear. For BYI, PIH, and IDA: We are carrying
VCSH within a couple of hours before or after the front moves
through the area. Once that happens, hold on. We have between
50kt-60kts for gusts this afternoon and early evening, and
lowering visibility due to blowing dust. For SUN: there will be
a window for some showers mid morning to right around
lunchtime, then we will see stronger gusts developing. We
currently have gusts of 30-40kts for a crosswind for the
afternoon hours. By mid evening, winds will do the normal switch
to Northwest but remain gusty overnight. For DIJ: We expect two
windows VCSH or -SHRA, one mid morning through early afternoon
and the other with the convergence band dropping south east of
I-15. We may have to watch to see if this band develops far
enough west and drops south to impact IDA and PIH in any form.
Back to DIJ, look for gusts peaking at 35-45kts until this
evening. Right now, we are expecting VFR ceilings with any
showers. We are concerned about reduced visibility for blowing
dust, especially IDA. We have MVFR to IFR due to this issue,
which also includes PIH and BYI.

&&

.PIH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
High Wind Warning from 9 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT this
evening for IDZ051>058-062>065-068.
Blowing Dust Warning from noon today to 9 PM MDT this evening
for IDZ053.
Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT this evening
for IDZ059>061-066-067-069>075.

&&

DISCUSSION...DMH/Keyes
AVIATION...Keyes

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

22 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Arco-Mud Lake Desert

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Arco-Mud Lake Desert forecast zone
Measured: 77 kt (89 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.537, -112.374 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A peak gust of 89 mph was recorded at East Butte. INL Puzzle recorded 79 mph and Tom Cat Summit 77 mph. Several dozen of gusts over 60 mph occurred in the Arco-Mud Lake Desert Region through the day. Just west southwest of Hamer a power line was downed and caused a wildfire that burned and destroyed 800 tons of hay along with complete loss of two power poles.

High Wind, Southern Hills-Albion Mountains

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 10:00 PM MST
Where: Southern Hills-Albion Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.284, -113.600 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Extremely strong winds were persistent through the day. A pean gust of 70 mph was recorded at Cotton Ridge and 62 mph recorded at Connor Summit. Persistent gusts over 50 mph occurred throughout the day.

High Wind, Lower Snake River Plain

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 10:00 PM MST
Where: Lower Snake River Plain forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 42.860, -112.488 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Extremely strong winds continues throughout the day with a peak wind of 68 mph recorded at the Pocatello Regional Airport ASOS site. Aberdeen, Sterling and Taber mesonet sites all recorded 67 mph. Fort Hall recorded a 60 mph gust. Interstate 15 was closed from Shelley to Idaho Falls due to the blowing dust from the high winds.

High Wind, Marsh and Arbon Highlands

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 10:00 PM MST
Where: Marsh and Arbon Highlands forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.838, -112.256 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A prolonged high wind event persisted all day with a peak gust of 67 mph at Pebble. Fish Creek recorded 65 mph and 60 mph recorded at Topaz.

High Wind, Blackfoot Mountains

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 10:00 PM MST
Where: Blackfoot Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.125, -111.858 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Extremely strong winds occurred throughout the day with a peak gust of 67 mph at the Galbraith mesonet site near Ozone. Pole Canyon had a 64 mph gust. Fish Creek Summit recorded 59 mph .

High Wind, Bear Lake Valley

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Bear Lake Valley forecast zone
Measured: 66 kt (76 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.285, -111.330 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Extreme winds persisted all day into the evening in the Bear Lake Valley. A peak gust of 76 mph was recorded at Sheep Creek Hills. 71 mph was recorded at Alpon East and Rocky Point on US Highway 30 with 69 mph at Geneva Summit.

High Wind, Teton Valley

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Teton Valley forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.924, -111.450 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Extreme winds caused the shut down of US Highway 20 from Ashton to the Montana state line for a few hours as it caused whiteout conditions form the snow on the ground blowing. A 65 mph gust was recorded at Canyon Creek. Botts recorded a 63 mph gust. River Rim recorded 60 mph.

High Wind, Shoshone-Lava Beds

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Shoshone-Lava Beds forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.089, -113.918 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds were prevalent throughout the day. Potter Butte recorded a 64 mph wind gust with 61 mph recorded at Richfield.

High Wind, Lost River Valleys

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Lost River Valleys forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.982, -113.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 62 mph wind gust was recorded at the Willow Summit mesonet site with 58 mph recorded at Howe.

High Wind, Eastern Magic Valley

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Eastern Magic Valley forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.811, -113.514 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 62 mph wind gust was recorded 4 miles east of Minidoka. 60 mph was recorded at the Coldwater mesonet site on interstate 86. Many additional 59 mph wind gusts were recorded near Minidoka.

High Wind, Wood River Foothills

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Wood River Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.412, -113.980 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 60 mph wind gust was recorded at Timmerman Hill on Idaho Highway 75.

High Wind, Beaverhead-Lemhi Highlands

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Beaverhead-Lemhi Highlands forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.004, -112.761 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 61 mph wind gust was recorded at China Point on interstate 15. 59 mph was recorded at Medicine Lodge and 5 miles north northeast of Dubois.

High Wind, Raft River Region

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Raft River Region forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.391, -112.994 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 59 mph wind gust was recorded at Moburg Canyon.

High Wind, Sun Valley Region

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Sun Valley Region forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.826, -114.131 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 59 mph wind gust was recorded 4 miles west southwest of Galena.

High Wind, Big Hole Mountains

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Big Hole Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.644, -111.494 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 73 mph wind gust was recorded at Mount Baird 6 miles east northeast of Palisades.

High Wind, Franklin-Eastern Oneida Region

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Franklin-Eastern Oneida Region forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.188, -112.176 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 59 mph wind gust was recorded at mesonet station Pleasantview Hill.

High Wind, Bear River Range

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Bear River Range forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.412, -111.568 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 59 mph wind gust was recorded at Paris Peak.

High Wind, Challis-Pahsimeroi Valleys

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Challis-Pahsimeroi Valleys forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.241, -114.282 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Spotter recorded a 60 mph wind gust in Challis.

High Wind, Centennial Mountains-Island Park

When: March 14, 9:00 AM MST to 8:00 PM MST
Where: Centennial Mountains-Island Park forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 44.091, -111.680 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

US Highway 20 closed from Ashton to the Montana border due to extremely strong winds causing blowing snow and whiteout conditions.

High Wind, Upper Snake River Plain

When: March 14, 10:00 AM MST to 11:00 PM MST
Where: Upper Snake River Plain forecast zone
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 43.805, -111.767 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Extremely strong winds occurred throughout the day with several locations recording over 60 mph wind gusts with a peak of 70 mph at Kettle Butte. A gust of 64 mph was recorded at the Idaho Falls Airport ASOS. Interstate 15 from Idaho Falls to Sage Junction was proactively closed at noon and later closed south of Idaho falls to Shelley. Multiple trees reported downed in Idaho Falls many in the Tautphaus Park area. Approximately 2,050 customers without power in idaho Falls as of 440 PM MDT. About 500 customers without power in Jefferson County. Shingle damage and fence damage reported throughout Bopnneville County. A paintball center owner reported torn nets, broken poles and bunkers.

High Wind, Caribou Range

When: March 14, 10:00 AM MST to 10:00 PM MST
Where: Caribou Range forecast zone
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $200
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.815, -111.502 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Extremely strong winds occurred throughout the day with a peak wind of 73 mph at the Palisades Dam mesonet site. Antelope Flats recorded 63 mph and extensive wind gusts of 60 mph plus occurred. Glass shattered on a rear window of a vehicle parked at the Swan Valley gas station thought to be from wind or flying debris from the wind.

High Wind, Frank Church Wilderness

When: March 14, 10:00 AM MST to 9:00 PM MST
Where: Frank Church Wilderness forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.241, -114.282 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A 68 mph wind gust measured at Clayton on State Highway 75.

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Idaho in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history Warnings in Idaho, March 2026

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: 1327851, 1327861, 1327862, 1327864, 1327868, 1327872, 1327873, 1327875, 1327876, 1327880, 1327881, 1327882, 1327883, 1327884, 1327885, 1327886, 1327887, 1327888, 1327889, 1327859, 1327860, 1327871.