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Boise Braces for Severe Storms Amidst Tornado Threat, Widespread Outages — Melanin News | Melanin
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Boise Braces for Severe Storms Amidst Tornado Threat, Widespread OutagesCulture

Boise Braces for Severe Storms Amidst Tornado Threat, Widespread Outages

5d ago

Boise and its neighboring counties were slammed by severe thunderstorms on Thursday, May 28, 2026, as forecasters warned of potential tornadoes, large hail, and destructive wind gusts. The National Weather Service in Boise issued a severe thunderstorm watch that encompassed a wide swath of southwest Idaho and parts of Oregon, urging residents to prepare for dangerous conditions as intense storm systems swept through the region.

The watch, identified as Severe Thunderstorm Watch 248, was active from 1:50 PM MDT until 9:00 PM MDT. It covered seven counties in southwest Idaho: Ada, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington. Additionally, three counties in northeast and southeast Oregon—Baker, Harney, and Malheur—were included in the advisory. Warnings highlighted the possibility of wind gusts reaching up to 70 to 75 miles per hour in certain areas, with downburst winds potentially hitting 60 mph, creating a significant risk for downed tree branches, flying debris, and hazardous travel. Forecasters specifically cautioned about the potential for “a couple tornados” and large hail, with some reports detailing hail roughly the size of ping-pong balls or nickel- to quarter-sized.

Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho Source

The immediate aftermath of the storms was significant. High winds were a major factor in the rapid spread of multiple brush fires in Payette County, particularly off Interstate 84 and Sand Hollow Road, which posed a direct threat to nearby structures. Payette County deputies quickly responded, advising residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and be ready for potential evacuations. Other fires tracked included the Wilson Fire, which consumed 68 acres southwest of Melba, and the Nichol Fire, located near Nicholson and South Cloverdale Road. Compounding the emergency, the intense storm system led to extensive power outages, leaving tens of thousands of Idaho Power customers without electricity across the Treasure Valley and surrounding counties.

Specific reports indicated over 7,000 customers impacted in Boise, more than 5,300 in Meridian, 1,580 across Eagle and Garden City, and approximately 2,260 in Nampa. Smaller outages were also noted in Gooding and Payette. A separate outage in Boise County left nearly 4,000 customers without power in areas such as Placerville, Crouch, and Horseshoe Bend. Idaho Power crews were actively deployed and working to restore service amidst the numerous disruptions caused by the severe weather.

This severe weather event was the culmination of a system that had been building over several days. Rain began in Boise on Tuesday, May 26, accompanied by scattered thunderstorms. Ada County recorded two lightning strikes that day, though the National Weather Service noted higher numbers elsewhere in Idaho. By Wednesday, May 27, scattered thunderstorms brought heavy downpours and wind gusts, setting the stage for the more intense conditions to follow. Meteorologist Jerry Wang from the National Weather Service office in Boise explained that two significant systems were converging: a closed low-pressure system hanging over the Great Basin that was slowly moving northward, and an incoming Pacific storm system expected to merge with it by the end of the week. Chief Meteorologist Scott Dorval of Idaho News 6 had updated the forecast on May 27, highlighting warmer and humid conditions, with scattered storms and severe wind gusts anticipated for the subsequent days.

Severe thunderstorm warning
Severe thunderstorm warning Source

Wednesday afternoon saw a severe thunderstorm warning issued around 3:30 PM MDT for areas including Tamarack, which experienced heavy rain and lightning. The National Weather Service also reported substantial lightning activity, noting that “Storms yesterday produced a lot of lightning in Southwest Idaho.” Gooding County, in particular, recorded an astonishing 448 observed strikes, marking the highest number of strikes in that county on any single day since the year 2000, underscoring the intensity of the pre-frontal storm activity.

Public safety advisories were broadcast as conditions worsened. The National Weather Service, in a post on X, cautioned that “Stronger storms will be capable of strong outflow winds, heavy downpours and small hail.” The Idaho Office of Emergency Management issued a public statement, warning that “High winds can cause considerable damage. Unsecured objects, such as lawn furniture or trash cans, can become dangerous projectiles.” They strongly recommended that residents find shelter in a “safe, sturdy building away from windows and doors” during thunderstorms.

The state’s broader forecast discussion for Thursday from the National Weather Service indicated that “Strong to severe thunderstorms possible over the western and northern panhandle of the state on (Thursday), especially near Grangeville and Lewiston area,” with “Damaging winds and large hail (are) possible with the storms today.” A special weather statement for the Treasure Valley further warned that “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Areas of blowing dust (are) reducing visibility. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

The severe weather event is part of a broader pattern of thunderstorms affecting Idaho during the final week of May. While the chance for storms was expected to decrease on Thursday, May 28, another increase in activity was anticipated for Friday, May 29. Forecasters predicted storms would gradually shift into the south-central mountain ranges over the weekend before eventually clearing out entirely. Residents were advised to stay informed on local weather updates as the region continued to navigate the dynamic and potentially hazardous conditions.