Spokane: Ice Storm Leaves Thousands Without Power

Spokane: Ice Storm Leaves Thousands Without PowerSpokane: Ice Storm Leaves Thousands Without Power Spokane, Washington, is reeling from the aftermath of a severe ice storm that has left thousands of residents without power. According to Avista Utilities, over 60,000 customers were affected by the storm, with some areas experiencing outages for multiple days. The weight of ice accumulation on power lines and trees caused widespread damage, knocking out electricity and disrupting daily life. Hardest hit were neighborhoods in South and East Spokane, where tree limbs fell on lines, cutting off power. Crews worked tirelessly to restore service, but the complex damage required lengthy repairs. “We’ve never seen an ice storm of this magnitude in Spokane,” said Scott Morris, a spokesperson for Avista. “The ice was so heavy that it snapped trees in half and brought down power lines.” Emergency shelters were opened to provide warmth and shelter to those who lost power. The city also activated its cold weather response plan, which authorized warming centers and outreach teams to assist vulnerable residents. “We’re doing everything we can to help people in need,” said Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward. “We’re urging residents to stay warm and check on their neighbors, especially the elderly or those with medical conditions.” The ice storm also caused significant disruptions to transportation. Icy roads and downed trees made travel dangerous, and many schools and businesses were closed. As power is gradually restored, residents are urged to conserve energy as the grid remains fragile. The city also warned that melting ice and snow could lead to localized flooding and slippery conditions. Mayor Woodward praised the efforts of utility workers who worked around the clock to repair the damaged infrastructure. “These crews are true heroes,” she said. “They’ve been working tirelessly to restore power and ensure the safety of our community.” The ice storm is a reminder of the importance of preparedness. Residents are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place that includes a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio. Additionally, they should have a supply of non-perishable food and water on hand.