UPDATE: Thousands of residents remain without power in the Quad Cities region as Avista Utilities and Clearwater Power Company crews race against time to restore electricity following severe storms that struck Thursday night. Wind gusts reaching 80 mph and heavy rainfall have left significant damage in their wake, affecting thousands across the area.
As of this morning, over 5,300 Clearwater Power customers are still in the dark, while more than 1,000 Avista customers in Latah County continue to wait for restoration. Crews are actively working in various locations, including north of Moscow and east towards Troy, focusing on repairs in the Orofino and Craigmont areas.
Local schools are also feeling the impact; both the Troy School District and Whitepine School District have announced closures today due to ongoing power outages. Avista spokesperson David Vowels confirmed that crews made significant progress yesterday, restoring power to 86% of their customers. However, those still affected will receive updates via email today regarding their specific outage status.
Utility companies are urging customers to monitor their websites for real-time outage maps and restoration estimates, with timelines ranging from today through the weekend. The Latah County Commissioners declared a local disaster emergency earlier this week due to the extensive storm damage.
The situation remains fluid as crews continue to battle the elements to restore power. Residents are advised to stay informed, practice caution, and prepare for possible extended outages. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
