Idaho Hit by Rare December Severe Thunderstorm as 80-MPH Winds Trigger Destructive Warnings Across Southeast Idaho
IDAHO — A rare and unusually intense December severe thunderstorm outbreak swept across southeast Idaho on Wednesday morning, prompting Destructive Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for multiple communities as wind gusts up to 80 mph were observed and radar showed dangerous storm features typically seen in spring.
According to Doppler radar imagery and warning text included in the provided data, the strongest storms impacted Pocatello, Rockland, Downey, Soda Springs, American Falls, Aberdeen, and surrounding areas, with warnings in effect until 10:45 a.m. MST.
Destructive Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Multiple Idaho Communities
The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning classified as “Destructive”, citing observed 80-mph wind gusts, radar-indicated hail, and a significant threat of damage.
The warning specifically covered:
- Pocatello
- Rockland
- Downey
- Soda Springs
- American Falls
- Aberdeen
- Nearby rural communities across southeastern Idaho
The warning text emphasized immediate danger, urging residents to take cover immediately due to the potential for structural damage, power outages, and flying debris.
Radar Shows Intense Linear Storm With Embedded Mesovortices
High-resolution Doppler radar images show a well-defined, fast-moving line of storms stretching from Burley and Rupert through American Falls and north toward Blackfoot, producing strong reflectivity values and tight velocity gradients.
Several radar frames indicate embedded mesovortices—small-scale rotational features within the storm line—raising concern for localized spin-ups and extreme wind bursts, even without confirmed tornado touchdowns.
Velocity data also shows strong inbound and outbound wind signatures, consistent with damaging straight-line winds rather than isolated gusts.
Why This Event Is Unusual for December in Idaho
Severe thunderstorms of this magnitude are rare in Idaho during December, especially events capable of producing:
- 80-mph wind gusts
- Destructive thunderstorm classifications
- Mesovortex signatures
- Continuous severe warning polygons
These conditions are more commonly associated with springtime severe weather in the Plains, not winter storms in the Intermountain West.
The setup suggests strong upper-level dynamics, intense wind shear, and a fast-moving frontal system capable of supporting severe convection despite the winter calendar.
Observed and Radar-Indicated Impacts
Based on the provided data, impacts include:
- Observed wind gusts up to 80 mph
- Radar-indicated hail
- Potential damage to trees, roofs, and power lines
- Hazardous travel conditions
- High risk of flying debris
The warning text explicitly labeled the situation as “Extremely Dangerous”, a designation reserved for the most severe thunderstorm events.
What Residents Should Do
Officials urged anyone in the warned areas to:
- Move to an interior room immediately
- Stay away from windows
- Secure loose outdoor objects
- Avoid travel until storms pass
Even after warnings expire, lingering strong winds may continue to pose hazards.
Storm Monitoring Continues
Meteorologists indicated that storms were moving rapidly, but additional showers and gusty winds could follow behind the main line. Residents across southeast Idaho were advised to remain weather-aware and monitor official alerts throughout the day.
What did conditions look like where you live? Did you experience strong winds or damage during this rare December storm? Share your experience and stay informed with continued weather coverage from WaldronNews.com.