High winds, snow prompt warnings to drivers

The National Weather Service says high winds like those blowing through eastern Idaho on Tuesday are normal for this time of year. But that doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be cautious.

“Certainly if you’re driving a high-profile vehicle, it gets a little more difficult and if you’re traveling north-south, today, even more difficult because the winds will be coming perpendicular to your vehicle,” said NWS meteorologist Mike Houston.

High winds were also causing visibility issues. Dust storms commonly occur with high winds. Idaho State Police said they try to inform drivers as they can when events like these occur.

“We have a number of reader boards in Pocatello and also on (the ) I-86 and I-84 split that we display warnings to motorists,” said Sgt. Matt Manning. “We do broadcast on the radio any road closures and any areas that are problem areas.”

At Pocatello Regional Airport, David Allen said Tuesday’s winds weren’t enough to cause too much concern. But housekeeping takes bigger precedent on days like these.

“We do pay particular attention to the airside facilities, runways, taxiways, (and) make sure that debris doesn’t get on there or anything significant in size and weight that might become an obstruction to an aircraft,” said Allen.

Airport officials said the snow wasn’t sticking there, so the next flight, just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, would fly as planned.

In Franklin County, the severe weather downed some power lines, the sheriff’s office said.

Wind advisories for both the upper and lower valley regions would be in effect until 10 p.m.