SPOKANE, Wash. — As a high wind warning is in effect for the Inland Northwest, Avista Utilities said in a press release that they are prepared to respond to outages and damages caused by the expected wind storm.
As of 9:42 p.m., 3,941 Avista customers throughout the Inland Northwest are currently without power. You can get the latest outage reports here.
Spokane's air quality is currently in the moderate zone but could soon become unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.
A tree was blocking the right lane of southbound US 195 near Hatch Road, according to the Washington Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT). Crews are still on scene and drivers are advised to use caution when driving through the area.
High wind warnings are in effect from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. across central and eastern Washington along with parts of North Idaho. Wind gusts are forecast up to 60 miles per hour during the afternoon hours, which is more than strong enough to cause some wind damage and power outages during the day.
Despite the heavy winds, Avista said they are fully prepared to respond to power outages and potential storm damages.
According to a press release, Avista is following the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts closely and are ready to respond to outages and damage. Avista said their fleet vehicles are stocked and fuels, their warehouse supplies are in place and assessment and wireguard teams are standing by to ensure public safety near downed power lines and trees.
Avista employees are also moving from their day-to-day operations to fully commit to storm operations.
Because heavy winds are expected throughout the afternoon and into the evening, Avista said estimated restoration times will likely not be available until the storm has passed and they are able to complete assessments, which could take more than 24 hours.
Current outage numbers are available here.
If Avista customers experience a power outage, they are encouraged to report it through their mobile device here or by calling (800) 227-9187. Customers can also follow Avista on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
In the event of a power outage, Avista recommends the following steps:
- Turn off all the appliances that were on before the power went out.
- Unplug electronic equipment, including computers.
- Leave a light or radio on as an alert when power has been restored.
- Help Avista crews working in a neighborhood know which homes have power by turning on the front porch light.
- Do not wire an emergency generator into a home’s electrical system, unless there is a disconnect switch to separate generated power from Avista’s distribution system. Backfeed into power lines could injure or kill a lineman working to get electricity restored.
- Use a generator only to run specific appliances and locate it outside so poisonous carbon monoxide fumes do not enter the home.