Multiple Crashes On I86 In Power County Caused By Heavy Fog

Thursday, December 21st, was a busy morning for the Idaho State Police. At 9:30 AM, ISP troopers were called to I-86 near milepost 55 in Power County. There were multiple emergency calls of crashes in the area.

The heavy fog with near zero visibility was a serious contributor to the crashes. The Interstate was blocked on both Eastbound and Westbound lanes.

Troopers worked quickly to close the interstate in both directions and coordinated with the Idaho Department of Transportation to establish a detour around the affected area. Idaho State Police investigated a total of 9 separate crashes. The crashes involved multiple personal vehicles and commercial trucks.

After transporting several motorists to area hospitals, the crashes were cleared with the assistance of the Power County Sheriff’s Office, Power County EMS, Fort Hall Fire, and the Idaho Transportation Department. ISP reopened the interstate just before 4 PM.

Winter Weather Expected for the Magic Valley Over Christmas Weekend

A dense fog advisory is in effect until 11 AM for portions of southwest and west central Idaho. Freezing conditions coupled with the fog make for slippery conditions on area roads Friday morning. Drivers are encouraged to take extra time and leave extra room for traffic on the roads.

Drivers need to be aware that a weather system bringing rain is expected Friday evening. The rain will be changing to snow overnight. With temperatures reaching below 30 degrees and wind blowing 20 miles per hour by Saturday morning, motorists should use caution while on the roads. Police will be out in force encouraging safe and sober driving during the holiday weekend.

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According to the Idaho Transportation Department, these are the 9 moving violations that can lead to 4 points being added onto your license.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF