A gust of wind of almost 70 mph at the Spokane International Airport brought down trees and cut power to a few thousand people Wednesday morning.
Someone died when a tree fell on U.S. Highway 2 and hit a box truck near the Spokane airport exit.
Spokane Parks and Recreation says the Manito Park Holiday Lights show had to be canceled Wednesday night because of downed trees and damage to the power grid from strong winds.
In north Spokane, two big trees broke off and fell on Nevada Street and North Avenue. Officer Daniel Strassenberg of the Spokane police said that no one was hurt.
The trees were moved to the side of the road by a tractor driver before they were cut down. The trees broke the North Avenue street sign.
Strassenberg said that cops across the city got about 30 calls about downed trees Wednesday morning.
At the same time, just before 1 p.m., 5,890 Avista Utilities users were without power. By 6 p.m., crews had cut that number down to 761 users.
Inland Power & Light Co. said that 1,092 customers in Spokane County, 464 customers in Whitman County, 345 customers in Stevens County, and 320 customers in Bonner County did not have power. As of Wednesday night, almost all Inland Power customers had their power back on. Only seven customers in Bonner, Lincoln, Whitman, and Stevens counties were still without power. About 115 people in Spokane County were waiting for their power to be turned back on.
The National Weather Service in Spokane warned of wind until 3 p.m. Wednesday for North Idaho and Eastern Washington. Winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph were expected.
Ken Daniel, a scientist for the weather service, says wind gusts hit 68 mph at Spokane International Airport, 56 mph in Post Falls, and about 50 mph at Coeur d’Alene Airport.
A researcher at the weather service named Steve Bodnar said that gusts hit 71 mph at Fourth of July Pass and 60 mph in Pullman.
Bodnar said that wind gusts slowed down Wednesday afternoon and evening. Around 6:30 p.m., gusts of 15 to 25 mph were seen in the area.
Bodnar and Daniel thought it would be dry until Saturday, when it might rain again in the Spokane area.
Bornar said that the Spokane International Airport saw a high of 50 degrees on Wednesday afternoon. In 1917, 57 degrees was the new high.
Joann Hinds has been covering U.S. local news for three years, bringing stories that matter to life with accuracy and heart. Known for his keen eye for detail and a passion for community-focused reporting, Joann is dedicated to highlighting the people and events shaping everyday lives. His work reflects a deep commitment to honest and impactful journalism.