POCATELLO, ID — Severe thunderstorms swept across Southeast Idaho on Sunday afternoon, triggering a set of weather warnings from the National Weather Service as forecasters warned of damaging wind, large hail and flash flooding. The storms moved through multiple counties and were tracked at speeds of about 25 to 30 mph.
Officials said the most serious warning was centered in Caribou County, where a storm near Soda Springs was capable of producing 60 mph gusts and hail up to half-dollar size, or about 1.25 inches. The weather service also told people near Blackfoot Reservoir to leave the water and get shelter right away because lightning can strike far from a storm.
Caribou County storm threatens Soda Springs, Blackfoot Reservoir and nearby campgrounds
The warning for central Caribou County was in effect until 4:45 p.m. Sunday. At 3:56 p.m., the storm was located about 8 miles northwest of Soda Springs and moving east at 30 mph, putting Soda Springs, the southern Blackfoot Reservoir and the Diamond Creek and Mill Canyon campgrounds in its path.
The National Weather Service said the storm could damage vehicles, roofs, siding and trees. It also repeated that people should not remain on the water during lightning activity, even if the storm appears to be some distance away. Forecasters also warned that intense rainfall could quickly create dangerous flooding in low-lying spots and on roadways.
Power, Cassia and Oneida counties face separate warnings through late afternoon
A second severe thunderstorm warning covered western Power County and northeastern Cassia County until 4:45 p.m. Sunday. As of 3:54 p.m., a storm near Albion, roughly 10 miles northwest of Malta, was moving northeast at 30 mph with expected 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Areas in the storm’s projected path included Lake Walcott, Albion, the Yale Rest Area, Idahome and the Interstate 84/86 junction.
A third warning remained active until 4:30 p.m. for central Oneida, south central Bannock and southeastern Power counties. At 3:59 p.m., that storm was about 12 miles north of Holbrook Summit, around 21 miles northwest of Malad, and moving east at 25 mph with 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.
National Weather Service warns of vehicle, roof and road damage as storms continue east
Forecasters said all three storms could produce hail large enough to damage vehicles and winds strong enough to harm roofs, siding and trees. The rain could also lead to flash flooding, and drivers were urged not to try crossing flooded roads. The advice from the weather service was to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building until the danger passes.
The warnings followed earlier severe thunderstorm alerts on Saturday for central Bannock, southeastern Power, northwestern Oneida and eastern Cassia counties. That earlier round brought quarter-size hail and wind gusts above 35 mph to the Pocatello area, showing how quickly the region has been dealing with repeated storm threats.
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