Storm topples trees, sends debris flying

ODESSA – The windstorm that tore through Odessa and the rest of eastern Washington on the night of January 12/13 uprooted trees and sent garbage cans and other items not battened down into the streets and other people’s yards. At the home of Annie Walter of Odessa, a large evergreen tree toppled onto the garage, damaging a wall and part of the roof. At the home of Tracy Walter, a similar scenario prevailed, although the tree that toppled did not hit any structures. Folks woke up to quite a mess and took to social media to search for their yard art, garbage cans and other items, while also trying to find the owners of items that had landed on their property.

Parts of the town were also without power for some hours during the day, including the Odessa Post Office. Avista crews worked quickly to repair the damage to power lines and equipment and soon had power restored.

In the countryside, Jon Fink reported that a large tank at his farm was moved by the wind and ended up where he had considered relocating it, so he was actually pleased with the outcome, especially since no real damage was done.