Severe Thunderstorm and Flooding Impact Treasure Valley

BOISE — A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the Boise metro area Friday night, bringing significant instability and widespread damage to the region. With winds surpassing 50 mph, intense lightning, and more than an inch of rain reported in several cities, local agencies have been mobilized to manage the aftermath.

The Canyon County Board of Commissioners has officially declared a countywide disaster emergency to address extensive damage throughout the area. Concurrently, the Ada County Highway District has been working through the night to clear debris and mitigate flooding hazards that have compromised several roadways.

According to lead meteorologist Josh Smith of the National Weather Service in Boise, the accumulation of small hail played a critical role in the flooding. In areas like northwest Meridian, several inches of hail collected on the ground, overwhelming local drainage systems when combined with the rapid, heavy rainfall.

Rainfall totals recorded across the Treasure Valley underscore the intensity of the storm:

* Homedale: 1.54 inches

* Greenleaf: 1.47 inches

* North of Garden City: 1.20 inches

* Northwest of Boise: 1.19 inches

* Caldwell: 1.13 inches

Local law enforcement agencies, including the Boise, Nampa, and Caldwell police departments, have reported standing water on multiple roadways. Drivers are strongly urged to exercise caution and avoid flooded streets while crews continue cleanup efforts.