OROFINO, ID – Strong winds early Wednesday caused widespread damage across the region, bringing down trees, blocking roads and damaging powerlines, according to the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Chris Goetz said the wind event began around 5:15 a.m., with fallen trees reported throughout the county, initially blocking all main county roads. The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office and Clearwater County Road Department spent the day clearing debris, assisted by the Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protection Association and local residents.

As of about 2:40 p.m., most main roads had reopened, though some areas remain reduced to one-lane traffic due to trees entangled with powerlines. Dent Bridge Road remains closed between Dent Bridge and Elk River because of the high number of downed trees. Upper Fords Creek Road is also closed at milepost 9 due to fallen trees and downed powerlines.

Officials said winds have decreased, but additional trees continue to fall, with some snapped off and others completely uprooted. At least six structures were reported to have trees fall on them, causing varying levels of damage. No injuries or trapped individuals have been reported.

Clearwater Power and Avista crews are working to restore electricity, with additional crews arriving from outside the area. Multiple locations remain without power, and there is no estimated time for full restoration. Officials said power will be restored as conditions allow and urged residents to check utility websites for updates.