Dangerous winds expected Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued an urgent bulletin warning of high winds across Kootenai County starting Sunday.

The alert predicts sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts reaching 50 to 60. The windy weather is expected to begin Sunday afternoon and stretch into the early Monday hours.

The National Weather Service said an inbound cold front will bring damaging winds.

“At this time, there is some uncertainty with the exact timing of these winds and the forecast speeds but this event has the potential for isolated tree damage and power outages,” the report reads.

The winds will also impact the Idaho Palouse along with the Coeur d’Alene area but are not expected to strike north of Kootenai County. The National Weather Service predicts damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines while potentially causing widespread power outages.

Avista announced Friday afternoon its fleet of trucks was fueled, and its teams are prepared to respond.

“Wet, saturated soil, due to the rain combined with strong winds will bring the likelihood of outages from falling trees and limbs and the potential for downed power lines,” spokesperson Lena Funston said in a statement.

The last time wind gusts reached 60 mph in Kootenai County was Jan. 13, when gusts dovetailed heavy rains, leading to extensive damage from falling trees.

Funston stressed that should power go out, crews will not be able to assess downed lines and restore service until the storm passes, a process that could take in excess of 24 hours.