Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Warnings Issued Near Malad, Idaho, Close to Utah Border

Residents in southern Idaho near the Utah border were urged to take immediate shelter Thursday afternoon as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning for the region. The warning was prompted by a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado, located approximately 14 miles northwest of Malad, Idaho, and moving east at 50 mph 2.

Key Details:

1. Affected Areas: The storm was expected to impact areas near Downey and Virginia by mid-afternoon, with additional warnings issued for Star Valley Ranch and Alpine, Wyoming, where the system was moving east at 45 mph 2.

1. Safety Instructions: The NWS advised residents to seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Those outdoors or in vehicles were urged to move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris 2.

Regional Weather Context:

The tornado warning coincided with a broader pattern of severe weather in the Intermountain West. Northern Utah also faced isolated strong thunderstorms, with a "Marginal" risk for damaging winds, hail, and lightning in Cache Valley and the Bear River Range 4. Meanwhile, southern Utah remained under elevated fire danger due to dry conditions and gusty winds 312.

Precautionary Measures;

1. Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates via NWS alerts or trusted news sources.
2. Prepare for Power Outages: Secure outdoor objects and charge essential devices.
3. Avoid Travel: High-profile vehicles are particularly vulnerable to strong winds