The windstorm forecast for the Inland Northwest on Tuesday afternoon knocked out power to almost two-thirds of Avista customers in Spokane County and a third in Kootenai County. Inland Power and Kootenai Electric also reported extensive outages, and all companies say it could be several days before power is restored.
Please do NOT call 911 for downed power lines or trees. 911 should only be for life-threatening emergencies. Instead please use these numbers:
- Inland Power: 1-877-668-8243
- Avista: 1-800-227-9187
- Kootenai Electric 1-877-744-1055
- Spokane City downed trees: 625.7733. City tree crews will first handle tree obstructions on arterials.
Spokane Transit Authority busses are generally operating as usual, with several detours for traffic obstructions.
Emergency responders strongly advised citizens to shelter in place. Options include:
- The Salvation Army's warming center/shelter at 222 E Indiana.
- Volunteers of America Hope House at 111 W 3rd Ave.
- Catholic Charities' House of Charity at 32 W Pacific Ave.
Residents got their first taste of what was coming early in the afternoon when Mayor David Condon ordered all non-essential employees to leave work early. Libraries were to close at 3 p.m. and all after-school activities canceled.
“Extremely high winds projected to hit the area during the height of the commute carry with them the very real possibility of significant damage and heavy traffic congestion,” Condon said. “We are heeding the advice of our emergency managers and putting the safety of our employees and the public first while clearing the way for our first responders. I urge other employers to also consider sending their employees home early.”
Spokane Public Radio itself was knocked off the air due to a power outage along North Monroe. The historic fire station does have a generator for emergency power, but relies on equipment still at the Hoban Building to broadcast.
The National Weather Service predicts the wind and its accompanying dust will die down around midnight.