Rare December PDS Thunderstorm Warning Issued in Idaho as Storm Produces Destructive 80 mph Winds
IDAHO — A rare and potentially historic severe weather event unfolded Wednesday afternoon as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Wallace, Idaho, including sections of the I-90 corridor, where destructive winds approaching 80 mph were reported. Meteorologists say this may be the first time Idaho has ever seen a severe thunderstorm warning issued in the month of December, underscoring the unusual nature of the system.
A Rare December Thunderstorm Turns Severe in the Inland Northwest
Severe thunderstorms in Idaho are already uncommon, but December events are almost unheard of. According to preliminary reports, this warning appears to mark a historic first, issued during a month when the region is typically dominated by snow, freezing rain, or mountain winter storms — not convective wind hazards.
Weather radar imagery showed a fast-moving storm tracking east along I-90, intensifying rapidly as it approached Wallace and nearby communities such as Kellogg. The National Weather Service issued the PDS designation due to the storm’s ability to produce widespread, destructive wind damage, with early reports confirming gusts nearing 80 mph.
Storm Impacts Along the I-90 Corridor
The strongest winds were concentrated along the narrow mountain valley that carries I-90 through Shoshone County. This corridor can funnel strong winds and amplify gusts, increasing the risk for:
- Fallen trees and branches
- Power outages
- Blowing debris and reduced visibility for drivers
- Localized structural damage
Motorists traveling between Kellogg, Wallace, and Lookout Pass were advised to use extreme caution as sudden crosswinds could create hazardous travel conditions.
Why This Event Is So Unusual
Meteorologists highlighted two key factors contributing to the rarity of this event:
- December typically brings cold, stable air to the region, suppressing thunderstorm development.
- Unseasonably warm and unstable air surged into the area, combining with strong upper-level winds to create an environment favorable for severe convection.
This alignment of ingredients is far more typical of late spring or early summer, not mid-December.
Communities Urged to Stay Weather-Aware
Emergency managers advised residents to secure outdoor items, avoid forested roads during strong gusts, and remain indoors while the warning was active. Additional updates and safety information are expected as forecasters monitor the storm’s eastward progression toward Montana.
While severe thunderstorms are not unheard of in the Pacific Northwest, a December PDS warning in Idaho marks a highly unusual meteorological milestone, prompting deeper analysis from atmospheric scientists.
Stay informed with ongoing weather updates at ChicagoMusicGuide.com — and share your local conditions with us as storms continue across the region.