Storm Causes Widespread Damage and Power Outages in Southern Star Valley
A powerful storm, identified by the National Weather Service as a microburst, swept through southern Star Valley on Friday evening, causing significant damage and widespread power outages. The storm, which hit around 7:30 p.m., brought strong winds, heavy rain, and half-inch sized hail. Unofficial reports from Smoot residents suggested a possible tornado and winds as strong as 144 miles per hour. The event resulted in numerous downed trees, broken power poles, and damaged homes with broken windows, roofs, and siding. A lightning strike near Fairview also ignited a fire, which was quickly extinguished by the accompanying rainfall. Local power crews, assisted by LVE crews from Jackson and private contractors, immediately began working to restore electricity. Approximately 15-25 power poles were broken, and multiple power lines were downed by the storm and falling trees. Power was restored to about half the affected area by 10:10 p.m. Friday, and to all but approximately 10 customers by 9:30 a.m. Saturday mor... 
