The National Weather Service in Boise issued a Special Weather Statement late Tuesday night as Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm moving through the Magic Valley.
At 11:43 p.m. MDT on September 16, the storm was located approximately seven miles south of Twin Falls. The system was traveling north at 30 mph, heading directly toward populated areas in central Twin Falls County and west-central Jerome County.
Forecasters warned of wind gusts reaching 50 mph and pea-size hail. These conditions posed risks to outdoor structures and vehicles. Residents were advised that unsecured objects could be blown around, tree limbs might fall, and blowing dust could reduce visibility on local roads.
The storm was expected to reach Twin Falls and the Magic Valley Regional Airport by 11:50 p.m. MDT. It was projected to move into the Jerome area around 12:10 a.m. Wednesday morning. The alert remained in effect for Central Twin Falls and West Central Jerome Counties until 12:30 a.m. MDT.
Officials urged anyone outdoors to seek shelter inside a building immediately. The warning covered areas including Southern Twin Falls County and the Western Magic Valley region.
This weather event occurred shortly after communities across Idaho marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, with many residents displaying flags in remembrance as reported locally. The storm passed through before local organizations began preparations for upcoming fall events, such as the Twin Falls Kiwanis Club’s annual Oktober Feast scheduled for October 1 in Twin Falls.