Idaho has experienced a wide range of significant storms over the years, leaving a lasting impact on communities and landscapes.
From fierce tornadoes to monumental winter storms, these natural events have tested the resilience of the state’s residents and infrastructure.
What are the biggest storms to ever hit Idaho? This article will explore some of these powerful events, highlighting their intensity and the effects they had on the region.
Readers will gain insight into the historical and meteorological significance of these storms.
1. The Boise Snowstorm of 1888
The Boise Snowstorm of 1888 stands out in Idaho’s weather history.
This storm dropped an incredible amount of snow on the city, paralyzing the area for days.
Residents faced enormous challenges. Roads were blocked, and many people were trapped in their homes.
The snowstorm was so intense that even basic travel became impossible.
This storm remains one of Boise’s most significant weather events. It demonstrated the powerful impact of severe weather on the community and the resilience required to overcome such challenges.
2. The Great Blizzard of 1919
The Great Blizzard of 1919 was one of the most severe storms to hit Idaho.
Starting in January, this storm brought heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that lasted for days.
Many areas reported snow piling up to several feet, making travel impossible.
The storm disrupted daily life, causing schools and businesses to close.
The blizzard led to significant challenges in emergency response. Roads were blocked, and residents had to rely on local resources to get through the storm.
This historic blizzard remains a significant event in Idaho’s weather history.
3. The Twin Falls Flood of 1997
In 1997, heavy flooding hit Twin Falls, Idaho, causing significant damage.
Rapid snowmelt led to rivers and reservoirs overflowing. The floodwaters invaded homes and businesses, leading to massive evacuations.
Farmers in the area faced severe losses as fields were submerged. The damage was extensive, and the recovery process took months.
Governor Phil Batt toured the flood-affected areas, witnessing the scale of the disaster firsthand.
Several counties, including Custer and Bonneville, declared disaster status. Emergency services worked tirelessly to assist those affected.
4. The Pocatello Windstorm of 1987
In 1987, Pocatello faced one of its most severe windstorms.
The wind speeds were recorded at over 70 mph, causing widespread damage across the city.
Buildings and homes suffered significant damage. Roofs were torn off and trees were uprooted. Power lines were downed, leading to extended outages in many areas.
The storm was memorable not just for its intensity but also for its duration. The winds battered Pocatello for several hours, creating a lasting impact on the community.
5. The Lewiston Lightning Storm of 2004
The Lewiston Lightning Storm of 2004 hit eastern Idaho with an unexpected intensity.
It brought hundreds of lightning strikes, causing widespread concerns about fires and power outages.
Residents reported seeing intense lightning flashes that lit up the night sky. The storm’s electrical activity made it memorable, even though it didn’t result in severe damage.
For those tracking storm history, the National Weather Service noted the unusual frequency and intensity of lightning during this event.
Although detailed graphics are unavailable, records and local reports confirm its significance.
Many had to take precautions against potential fire hazards due to the storm’s intensity.
Despite the dramatic lightning display, the area managed to avoid major disasters.
6. The Coeur d’Alene Ice Storm of 1996
The Coeur d’Alene Ice Storm of 1996 was a devastating weather event.
Beginning on November 19, it combined wet snow and freezing rain to create hazardous conditions.
The storm knocked out power to approximately 100,000 homes. Some areas were left without electricity for up to 13 days.
The heavy ice accumulation led to the collapse of trees and power lines.
This extensive damage significantly impacted daily life and local infrastructure. Roads became impassable, and schools and businesses closed.
The storm caused a significant rise in timber harvesting in Idaho.
Between 1996 and 1997, timber taken off private ground increased by 56 million board feet, largely due to the storm.
Logging in Kootenai County saw a dramatic spike during this period, with 41 million board feet cut from private land.
A New York Times headline at the time highlighted the severity, stating that severe storms left 12 dead in the Northwest.
7. The Burley Hailstorm of 2012
Burley, Idaho, experienced a significant weather event on September 2, 2012.
A severe hailstorm struck the area, bombarding the community with golf ball-sized hailstones for about 30 minutes.
The intensity of the storm caused considerable damage to vehicles, rooftops, and windows. Many residents were caught off guard by the sudden onslaught of hail.
The Burley Hailstorm of 2012 remains one of the most memorable weather events in the region’s recent history.
Videos of the storm can be found documenting the chaos and destruction it caused, such as Tornado/hailstorm Burley Idaho Sept 2, 2012 on YouTube.
8. The Idaho Falls Tornado of 1983
The Idaho Falls Tornado of 1983 was a significant weather event.
It struck the city on June 3, 1983, causing considerable damage to homes and infrastructure.
According to records, the tornado was classified as an F3 on the Fujita Scale. Winds reached speeds between 158 and 206 mph.
Several buildings were severely damaged, and many trees were uprooted.
Residents were taken by surprise, as tornadoes are rare in Idaho.
Emergency services were quick to respond, minimizing potential fatalities.
The event remains one of the most impactful tornadoes in Idaho’s history, especially for the Idaho Falls community.
9. The Nampa Dust Storm of 1950
The Nampa Dust Storm of 1950 was a significant event in Idaho’s history.
High winds caused massive clouds of dust, reducing visibility to almost zero. Travel became nearly impossible as roads were covered in a thick layer of dust.
Residents had to stay indoors to avoid breathing the dust.
The storm caused extensive damage to crops and property. It took weeks for the area to recover from the impact.
This dust storm is remembered as one of Idaho’s most severe weather events.
The community had to come together to deal with the aftermath and rebuild.
10. The Rexburg Microburst of 2010
The Rexburg Microburst of 2010 was a powerful weather event that took the community by surprise.
It occurred in the summer, bringing intense wind and rain.
Strong updrafts within the storm system suddenly collapsed, sending a torrent of rain and wind down to the ground.
This phenomenon, known as a microburst, led to widespread damage.
Many trees, some over a century old, were uprooted. Property damage was extensive, with roofs and vehicles taking the brunt of the storm.
The suddenness of the event left little time for residents to prepare.
Recovery efforts took weeks, with utility crews working around the clock to restore power and clear debris.
The Impact of Major Storms on Idaho
Major storms in Idaho often result in significant economic losses and environmental changes, affecting both communities and natural landscapes.
Economic Consequences
Storms cause extensive damage to infrastructure. Flooding, high winds, and hail often lead to road closures, power outages, and damage to buildings.
For instance, recent severe weather in Canyon County resulted in collapsed structures and widespread power line damage.
Businesses face interruptions, leading to loss of revenue.
Agriculture also takes a hit. Crops can be destroyed by hail, heavy rains, or floods, affecting farmers’ income.
Insurance claims spike after such events, putting pressure on local insurance companies. Rebuilding and repair costs add up quickly, often requiring federal assistance.
Environmental Changes
Storms reshape the landscape. Flash floods erode soil, affecting farmland and natural habitats.
Riverbanks might overflow, altering watercourses and impacting ecosystems.
The record-breaking storm in East Idaho left a lasting impact on the area, changing both terrain and waterways.
Forest fires can be sparked by lightning during storms, leading to loss of wildlife and forests.
Post-storm conditions, such as increased moisture, can lead to rapid plant growth, sometimes resulting in invasive species taking hold.
The Durkee Fire near the Oregon-Idaho border, worsened by an impending storm, highlights the complexity of storm impacts on the environment.
Historical Weather Patterns in Idaho
Idaho’s weather has seen notable changes over the years, including the frequency and severity of storms.
This section examines the occurrence of severe storms and significant weather pattern shifts historically.
Frequency of Severe Storms
Severe storms in Idaho are relatively rare compared to other U.S. states.
For example, tornadoes have been tracked from 1950 to 2024, showing that while they do occur, they are not frequent.
Most tornadoes in Idaho are EF0 or EF1, with wind speeds below 110 mph.
In areas like Cassia County, tornadoes have been reported more often than in others.
This pattern highlights localized weather phenomena in certain regions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has documented these events, ensuring detailed records of each storm.
Notable Historical Changes
Over the past decades, Idaho has experienced a shift in weather patterns.
Data from 1950 through 2012 shows a steady documentation of storms but with some increases in recent years.
These storms have varied widely in severity and location.
Some of the most significant tornadoes in the past decade have highlighted the evolving nature of Idaho’s weather.
Wind speeds and damage levels have been meticulously recorded, providing insights into long-term climate trends.
The Tornado Project offers a comprehensive look into these historical changes, showing long-term shifts and patterns.
Using this detailed data helps communities and authorities better prepare for future weather events, ensuring safety and readiness across the state.