LEWISTON, ID – Avista crews continued restoration efforts following a severe windstorm that caused widespread power outages across the region.

The utility said crews worked throughout the day Wednesday to assess damage and restore service, with efforts continuing overnight as additional outages and damage were identified. At the peak of the storm, wind speeds exceeded those recorded during the historic 2015 wind event, leaving approximately 80,000 Avista electric customers without power.

As of early Thursday morning, more than 24,000 customers remained without service, with over 600 individual outage incidents reported.

Avista said all available resources are being used, including 45 line crews, each with about four linemen, six contract line crews, and 40 vegetation management crews. In addition, 17 contract crews from outside the area are arriving to assist with restoration.

According to the utility, the storm caused damage to both transmission and distribution systems, largely from trees contacting power lines and pulling wires down. Crews are working through downed trees, debris and rugged terrain in some locations, complicating damage assessments and repairs.

Avista said estimated restoration times will be posted on its outage map Thursday night and will be updated as additional assessments are completed. Helicopter patrols are also scheduled Thursday to inspect transmission lines that remain out of service. The utility said high winds on Wednesday limited aerial inspections, but the patrols are expected to provide critical information for restoration timelines.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to assess damage, restore power, and provide estimated restoration times for those affected by this unprecedented and challenging storm,” Avista President and CEO Heather Rosentrater said. She added that some customers may be without power for several days and encouraged those affected to prepare accordingly.

Avista is urging customers to plan for extended outages and make necessary arrangements for resources while restoration work continues.