SPOKANE, Wash. — Avista Utilities is mobilizing full staff and contract crews as a major windstorm approaches the Inland Northwest, following December’s storm that left 80,000 homes without power.
“The weather is going to come through our entire service territory. So we’re trying to focus on everybody holistically at this time until we see the impacts. But crews in our outlying areas, they’re ready,” said David Vowel, Avista senior communication manager.
The utility has positioned crews across Eastern Washington and North Idaho and coordinated with contract crews for rapid response. Avista is monitoring National Weather Service forecasts and has fully fueled its fleet vehicles.
Community members are preparing for potential outages. Local retailers report increased sales of emergency supplies.
“People are coming in to get chainsaws to clear out debris that go in there….lot’s of, generators, lots of propane and lots of fuel. Just making sure that they’re staying warm,” said Miles Barany, co-owner of The General Store.
Avista’s primary concern is vegetation’s ability to withstand high winds. While the company’s infrastructure can handle winds up to 100 miles per hour, trees cannot and are expected to contact power lines during the storm.
When outages occur, residents can check the utility’s website for outage maps and restoration estimates. Avista asks customers to leave an outside light on when power returns so crews can identify restored areas.
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