POCATELLO, ID — Severe thunderstorms moved across southeastern Idaho on Sunday afternoon, triggering multiple warnings from the National Weather Service for damaging wind, large hail and flash flooding. Forecasters warned that the strongest cells could bring 60 mph gusts and hail large enough to damage vehicles, roofs, siding and trees.
The weather service also told people near impacted lakes and reservoirs to get out of the water and seek shelter immediately. Lightning can strike well away from a storm, and officials urged residents in the path of the storms to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Central Caribou County faces the strongest warning near Soda Springs and Blackfoot Reservoir
The most serious warning was issued for central Caribou County, where a storm capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and half-dollar-size hail was being tracked about 8 miles northwest of Soda Springs at 3:56 p.m. Sunday. The storm was moving east at 30 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
That warning remained in effect until 4:45 p.m. and included Soda Springs, the southern Blackfoot Reservoir and the Diamond Creek and Mill Canyon campgrounds. Officials specifically warned anyone on or near Blackfoot Reservoir to get off the water right away and find shelter.
The National Weather Service said hail of that size could damage vehicles, while strong winds could break branches and cause other property damage. Torrential rain from the storm also raised concern for sudden flooding in low-lying areas and along roadways.
Power, Cassia and Oneida counties also under warnings as storms race northeast and east
A second warning covered western Power County and northeastern Cassia County until 4:45 p.m. Sunday. At 3:54 p.m., a storm near Albion, about 10 miles northwest of Malta, was moving northeast at 30 mph with 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, according to forecasters.
That storm’s projected path included Lake Walcott, Albion, the Yale Rest Area, Idahome and the Interstate 84/86 junction. The National Weather Service said drivers should not try to cross flooded roads if heavy rain begins to pond on highways or local streets.
A third warning stayed in place until 4:30 p.m. for central Oneida, south central Bannock and southeastern Power counties. At 3:59 p.m., a storm about 12 miles north of Holbrook Summit, roughly 21 miles northwest of Malad, was moving east at 25 mph.
Earlier storms on Saturday brought hail and strong winds to the Pocatello area
The Sunday warnings came after another round of severe weather on Saturday. The National Weather Service had already issued a severe thunderstorm warning and a special weather statement for central Bannock, southeastern Power, northwestern Oneida and eastern Cassia counties.
Those Saturday storms brought quarter-size hail and wind gusts above 35 mph to the Pocatello area. Sunday’s outbreak added a broader set of hazards, with multiple counties facing overlapping warnings as storms continued moving across the region.
Forecasters said the combination of wind, hail and heavy rain could create dangerous conditions for anyone traveling through the affected counties. The warnings remained tied to specific storm tracks, but the weather service said the threat included property damage, reduced visibility and rapid flooding.
National Weather Service warns of hail damage, roof damage and sudden flooding in storm paths
Across all three warnings, the National Weather Service said the storms were capable of damaging cars, roofs, siding and trees. Quarter-size hail was forecast in some areas, while the Caribou County storm could produce hail up to 1.25 inches in diameter.
The weather service also emphasized that heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding, especially where drainage is poor or water crosses roads quickly. Residents were advised to stay indoors and shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor until the storms passed.
The warnings covered communities and recreation areas across southeastern Idaho, including Soda Springs, Albion, Malad, Lake Walcott and Daniels Reservoir. Forecasters said the storms were moving steadily east and northeast, spreading the severe weather threat across several counties within a short period of time.
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