Storm races across the West, VA center in Walla Walla suffers wind damage

A satellite image of the large storm causing problems Friday.

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Story Published: Jan 4, 2008 at 3:05 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jan 4, 2008 at 7:28 PM PDT

By Greg Meyer

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Walla Walla - Winds gusting more than 60 mph damaged at least three buildings, crushed one vehicle and forced the evacuation of several areas at the VA Medical Center in Walla Walla Friday.

A tree fell on three buildings center at approximately 9:20 a.m. Officials immediately evacuated the buildings and an emergency operations center was established.

Initial assessments indicate that no patients or employees were injured during the storm, but all clinics were shut down and appointments for the day were canceled as a safety precaution. Power was reported out but emergency generators were running to allow essential operations.

Medical Center Director Sharon Helman released the following statement regarding the clinic closures:

“The safety of our patients and employees is a primary concern in this type of situation. During storms like this there are downed power lines, trees and other flying objects. For that reason we temporarily shut down the clinics. We will return to normal operations and begin treating patients again as soon as possible.”

VA officials said they will begin a damage assessment as soon as weather conditions permit.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory for Lewis and Southern Nez Perce counties, including the cities of Kamiah, Craigmont, Nezperce and Winchester.

The advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Friday afternoon. The strong Pacific storm system will create very windy conditions across the Camas Prairie with sustained speeds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts to 50 mph possible.

Winds should gradually decrease Friday night, but remain windy into Saturday. a wind advisory means that winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for the Lewiston area, Lower Garfield and Asotin counties, the Palouse, the Northern Panhandle, and the Northeast Blue Mountains.

The Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the next several days. Friday and Friday night, the next weather system will bring a mixture of rain, snow and freezing rain.

Saturday through Thursday snow showers will remain over the forecast area. The next significant storm system is expected to bring more accumulating snow to the forecast area on Tuesday.

For the latest on the storm: National Weather Service

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