Unpacking The Idaho Tornado Warning: Local News Breaks Down The Facts

The internet groups in Idaho were buzzing this week about a tornado warning that was issued. Well, some groups were buzzing. Others were completely silent and oblivious to the event.

Those who knew about the warning spent the afternoon posting pictures and arguing about the meaning of a tornado warning vs a tornado watch.

Credit Darren Johnson and Stevie Claxton

Did You Know There Was a Tornado Warning in Southeast Idaho This Week

While a tornado in Idaho would definitely be a newsworthy event, there was a surprising lack of coverage. That’s because, while the warning was issued, it never actually touched down. The weather alert stated:

At 2:01 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles northeast of Central INL, or 21 miles east of Arco, moving east at 25 mph

The National Weather Service issued the warning on Thursday afternoon between 2 and 3:30 after weather radars reported rotation in the weather pattern. The warning was canceled after heavy rain, hail, and wind blew through Eastern Idaho for 30 to 40 minutes. Quarter sized hail was reported at INL.

Credit NOAA and Stevie Claxton

What Happened with the Tornado Warning in Southern Idaho This Week

The storm and reported tornado warning sparked controversy over the meaning of a warning vs a watch. Many voiced their opinions and cited years of experience in the mid-west tornado alley, but a video from Local 8 News in IF from their meteorologist did a great job of clearing up the confusion.

@alwaysstayweatheraware (#KIFI )-TV:#foryou Tuesday afternoon #August 13, 2024: Intense #tornado -warned /#rotating #storm moved across parts of eastern #Idaho /#ID (#IDwx ) near #IdahoFalls /#IdahoFallsIdaho Tuesday afternoon (August 13) |#weatherTOK ♬ original sound - Johnny

And even without a tornado touching down, the photos posted by Idaho residents are amazing. Many were posted to private Idaho weather and location groups, but we did get permission to share these photos of the storm.

Credit Darren Johnson

You can see more pictures in the post on Idaho Weather Watchers from David Leadford and in the Life in Idaho Falls! (SE Idaho) group post by Taunya Keys.