Severe wind storm causes power outages, downed trees, power lines, power poles

A severe wind storm that hit Clearwater County at about 5:15 a.m. Wednesday caused closure of roads, schools and some businesses due to power outages, downed trees over roadways, as well as downed power lines and poles.

According to National Weather Service-Missoula the strongest wind gust at the top of Greer Grade measured 73 miles per hour and 57 mph at Dent. Citizens recorded 36 mph off Michigan near Konkolville and 57 on Wixson Heights.

Clearwater County Sheriff's Office released the following information at 3:04 p.m. Wednesday:

Clearwater County was hit with strong winds starting at about 0515 this morning. Those winds knocked down trees throughout the County blocking all main County Roads and destroying power lines. The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office along with the Clearwater County Road Department have been removing downed trees all day. We have been assisted by the Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protection Association (CPTPA) along with countless citizens that have been able to help.

As of now (Wednesday) 2:40 p.m. most of the main roads have been reopened although there are still places that are a one lane road due to trees on power lines. Dent Bridge Road is closed between Dent Bridge and Elk River due to the high number of downed trees. Upper Fords Creek is closed at milepost 9 due to trees and downed power lines. The wind has reduced but we are still experiencing additional trees falling into the roadways. Some trees have been broken off, and some have been completely uprooted.

We know of at least six structures that have had trees fall on them with varying amounts of damage. There have been no reported injuries or trapped people.

Both Clearwater Power and Avista have all of their crew working with additional crews on the way from out of the area. There are several areas without power, and it is unknown when power maybe restored. They will get power restored as they can safely do so. Check their web pages for the latest updates.

Clearwater County Sheriff's Office shared these photos: