High winds can pose serious risks in Idaho, from downed power lines to hazardous road conditions. Strong gusts can happen with little warning, making it important to know how to prepare and stay safe.

Taking simple steps ahead of time can help protect you, your loved ones, homes, and vehicles when high winds strike.

Hazards Associated with High Winds

High winds can cause considerable damage. Unsecured objects, such as lawn furniture or trash cans, can become dangerous projectiles. Strong gusts can knock over trees, large branches, and power lines, damaging buildings and endangering lives. Mobile homes and vehicles may be overturned. Extreme winds have the potential to tear roofs and walls from structures.

Beyond these immediate risks, high winds can also trigger other hazards. Wildfires may ignite if power lines are damaged, while severe wind or tornado events could lead to hazardous material spills, cyber disruptions, or energy shortages.

While not common, Idaho has experienced tornadoes triggered by high winds and thunderstorms.

When Do High Wind Events Occur?

Windstorms are common in Idaho and can develop during severe thunderstorms, strong weather systems, or as winds flow down mountain slopes. Sustained winds of 40–50 mph can cause isolated damage, while higher speeds can result in widespread destruction. In severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds can exceed 100 mph, turning unsecured objects into hazards and posing significant safety risks.

Mountainous areas often experience stronger winds under a wider range of conditions. Even at lower wind speeds, and gusts in valleys can be forceful enough to topple trees, damage power lines, and impact property.

NWS Wind Descriptions and Warnings

The National Weather Service (NWS) classifies wind speeds into different categories based on their strength and potential impact:

• Strong, dangerous, or damaging: 40+ mph
• Very windy: 30–40 mph
• Windy: 20–30 mph
• Breezy, brisk, or blustery: 15–25 mph
• Light wind: 0–5 mph

To help the public stay informed, NWS issues wind alerts when conditions become hazardous:

• Wind Advisory: Issued when sustained winds reach 30–39 mph and/or gusts between 45–57 mph below 7,000 feet, not associated with thunderstorms (issued for Snake Plain only).
• High Wind Watch: Issued when there is potential for sustained winds over 40 mph and/or gusts over 58 mph.
• High Wind Warning: Issued when sustained winds exceed 40 mph and/or gusts surpass 58 mph for at least one hour, not associated with thunderstorms.

Prepare Before a High Wind Event

• Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
• Make a list of outdoor items to tie down or put away to prevent them from blowing away or damaging property. When the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm watch, secure these items immediately.
• Identify a sturdy building at home, work, school, or any frequent locations where you can seek shelter quickly if a warning is issued.
• Make sure your household has an emergency plan in place, including evacuation routes and a communication strategy.
• Update your emergency kit with enough food and water to last several days for everyone in your household.
• Stay informed by signing up for alerts, tuning into emergency broadcasts and weather updates via NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems, and reviewing the latest forecasts and trends on weather.gov.

How to Stay Safe During High Winds

• Seek shelter in the safest nearby building you’ve identified—such as a safe room, storm shelter, or sturdy building.
• If indoors, go to the basement or lowest level of the building. Then, move to a small, interior, windowless room. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• If you are driving, stop at a sturdy building to take shelter. Avoid parking or seeking shelter under a freeway overpass or trees. If possible, stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Avoid downed power lines or anything that may be in contact with them. If you come across downed power lines, report them to your utility company immediately.
• Continue to monitor weather and local official updates.
• Check in on neighbors to make sure there are no injuries or significant damages.

By staying informed, taking proactive measures, and knowing what to do when high winds strike, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

For more information on staying safe during high wind events, visit the following resources:

• National Weather Service – Wind
• American Red Cross – High Wind Safety
• Ready – Severe Weather